In a few days our nation will celebrate another "Thanksgiving" holiday. It seems to be one of those holidays smashed between Halloween and Christmas. One that isn't as popular in gross sales or promotion. It is often remembered by Football, turkey and family. We love the dressing, the pumpkin or pecan pie. On this day we can gorge on food and then lay around not feeling guilty. NO WORK!😋 Thanksgiving day has not always been as we have known it to be the last few generations.
Before this land was even a country, our forefathers left their native, mother country and came across the sea. They wanted a place were they could worship their God freely. They knew the trip would be hard, but they believed their God was mighty and able to deliver them safely. The passage was dangerous and difficult, and many died. They wrestled for 63 days with sea sickness, disease, doubt, and damage to the vessel. But they finally arrived at this new promised land! Most of the 102 souls made it alive and ready to start new. Before they left the Mayflower, they wrote and agreed to this simple covenant:
In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereigne Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britaine, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith, etc. having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honour of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northerne parts of Virginia, doe by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civill body politick, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enacte, constitute, and frame such just and equall laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meete and convenient for the generall good of the Colonie unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape-Codd the 11. of November, in the year of the raigne of our sovereigne lord, King James, of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fiftie-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620.
The weeks and months that followed were hard. Their faith in God was tested again! They didn't have adequate shelter or food for the difficult winter that was upon them. More died!
God sent a blessing to the new settlers through friendship with the Indians. In God's providence may years before, He had been preparing for this time that the Europeans would come to this new land. One of the natives had been to Europe many years earlier and learned the English language, ways and life. He had since returned to his home. Now God used him to minister blessing on these struggling people.
The spring brought forth new hope! Green appeared on the landscape and with the natives help, gardens and crops were planted. The "three sisters" (corn, beans & pumpkins) were planted together. Corn to support the climbing beans and pumpkins to cover the soil to help with weeds. The harvest was abundant! This next winter would be much different than their first one. They would be ready, with plenty in store to carry the through the coming season of freezing temperatures.
I am sure hearts were overflowing with gratitude for the abundant crop they had harvested. They also had secured better housing; homes that would keep them warm and safe. These people had trusted their God They had been tested, proven and found faithful in their purpose and dependence on a gracious God. No doubt Eph. 5:20 "
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," was on their minds when they first considered a celebration to give thanks. A specific time to give thanks to God Almighty and their new friends, the Native Americans.
Let us learn from our forefathers! We haven't always HAD abundance! We have not always had fat bellies, full grain bins, super Walmarts, strip malls, Amazon, etc. Even today, for some of our own people, things are STILL hard, it's difficult to make ends meet, more month than money, and yes, even fear for where the next meal may come from.
This Thanksgiving I challenge you to stop! Give thanks to Almighty God for His kind providence provided to you and your family this past year: your health, your harvest, your family, your good memories, your work, your dreams and hopes, your salvation, just to name a few things. Give thanks to others for the many ways they have blessed your life; then show to others you are grateful by going out and blessing those around you. Share some of the blessings you have to those who may be in need. A heart expressed by gratitude is always appreciated!
Martin Luther once said "
See that you do not forget what you were before, lest you take for granted the grace and mercy you received from God and forget to express your gratitude each day."
Having a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving should be an everyday expression as we each remember how much we have been blessed with!
Happy Thanksgiving!😉