LAKE CITY — Lake City Assistant Administrator John H. Whittleton Jr. said nothing that people have to offer God can equal what God has already given to them.
“Everyone has something special to give God thanks for,” Whittleton said in his Thanksgiving message to the more than 100 senior citizens gathered Monday at the Lake City Senior Citizens Center for the Thanksgiving Blessing 2009.
The Bible states, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” Whittleton said.
Those who have been blessed with long lives have a duty to give thanks to God, he said. In longevity, many people have suffered illness, he said, but still should be thankful. Many have been blessed with children and grandchildren, he said.
“We thank god for his mercy and his grace,” he said.
Whittleton said people should give thanks out of compassion and appreciation. One of the most precious things to give thanks for, he said, is salvation.
The manual he reads everyday is the Bible, which Bible instructs him on how to manage money, love his fellow man and serve others, he said.
“We thank God for the ones that have come and gone,” Whittleton said.
He said people should thank God daily for the good and the bad.
“I thank God today and tomorrow,” he said.
“You are one of our most viable people,” state Rep. Lester Branham said. “You all have experience (and) wisdom, and we look to you for encouragement.”
Branham said that during this time of year, people come together to celebrate the blessings they’ve received from God and from others.
“I never thought I would be a senior citizen,” said the Rev. George Gary.
Gary jokingly said that one of the joys of being a senior citizen is that you eat part of your food and the other part you end up wearing. Gary enjoys being a member of the local senior citizens association, he said, and as a pastor, he said he enjoys meeting and getting to know people.
Lake City Administrator Marion Lowder gave greetings, and the Rev. Jerry L. Gadsden of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church prayed. Lake City Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Mallette acknowledged sponsors and organizations that provided door prizes and promotional items.
Linda Mitchell Johnson, Executive Director of the Senior Citizens Association, also made remarks.
Lake City Mayor Lovith Anderson Jr. was the master of ceremonies.
The Senior Citizens Association in Florence County received donations of $3,850 from state Sen. Hugh Leatherman, $1,500 from Florence County, $1,500 from the city of Lake City, $1,000 from the city of Florence, $1,00 from Dr. and Mrs. Edward Floyd, $1,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin Welch, and other contributions from local supporters.
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