Oft in the stilly night,
Ere slumber's chain has bound me,
Fond memory brings the light
Of other days around me.[1]

Memories ... we like them ... and we need them. As those words of Thomas Moore remind us, we are comforted and instructed by them. That is why a day such as this is a good day.

Our text from Deuteronomy is Moses' instruction to the people of Israel on the establishment of a Thanksgiving tradition once they enter into the promised land. Get in there, work the land, plant, water, harvest, then bring the firstfruits to the priest as an offering before God. This is the harbinger of Israel's celebration of the Feast of Weeks (Deuteronomy17:9-12). Included is an ancient affirmation of faith that has become familiar in its recitation: "My father was a wandering Aramean ..." with t…