Today is Presidents’ Day – another three-day weekend of buying frenzy. Back in the day, specifically 1879, February 22 was made the official commemoration of George Washington’s birthday. He probably would not have liked the fuss. Some northern states remembered Abraham Lincoln on February 12. So Congress, in its wisdom, in 1968 created the “Uniform Monday Holiday Act,” setting up three-day weekends.
On this day to commemorate two great Presidents, we should also keep in prayer former President Jimmy Carter. Sometimes reviled, he followed dark times in our history, just a few years after Richard Nixon left in disgrace.
Carter, 98 years old, has now gone into Hospice care. A man who really practices what he preached, for years he worked with Habitat for Humanity and established the Carter Center to bring health care and peace building to many parts of the world. Should we be as committed to following the call of Jesus of Nazareth in our daily lives as he has been.
Prayer for the Day
Memories of past times sometimes overwhelm us, O God,
For they bring both hope and sadness to our days;
Living in the present sometimes seems so difficult, O Lord,
For we often stand back from how you call us to live.
Grant that we may be able to live in a future of hope,
As we commit ourselves to being your servants in this world.
In the name of the One who calls us to discipleship,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all ways you can, in all places you can, at all times you can, to all people you can, as long as ever you can.
- John Wesley, English cleric, evangelist (1703-1791)
A commitment to love and justice demands the transformation of social structures as well as of hearts
- Mary E. Hunt, American feminist theologian
I will extol you, my God and my King, and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; God’s greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works I meditate.
The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I declare your greatness. Psalm 145: 1-6