Thanksgiving
In one week, families will gather together in order to celebrate Thanksgiving. There is a great deal of history that chronicles how this day became a tradition in the United States. My husband and I traveled to New England and visited the sites where the Pilgrims first experienced the freedoms they sought. The Mayflower left Plymouth, England in September 1620 carrying 102 passengers and traveled 66 days across the ocean. Those who chose to make the journey endured great hardship. Most of the colonists remained on board the ship during that first brutal winter and only half of the original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring. The book Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick is an amazing historical account of the struggles the colonists faced as they attempted to establish their home and wellbeing in this new country.
Upon their attempt to settle in this new land, they were aided by the Native Americans. Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe, taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate corn, harvest sap from maple trees, fish and avoid dangerous plants. The local tribe of Wampanoag Native Americans established a harmonious relationship with the colonists and in November 1621 the first Thanksgiving was celebrated to give thanks to God. The English colonists and native Wampanoag Indians prepared a feast and ate together during the harvest celebration. The only written eyewitness account of the first Thanksgiving dinner was a letter written by colonist Edward Winslow to his friend in England. In the letter he wrote, “Although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”
Through the years, various days of giving thanks were designated, but it was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln scheduled the official holiday of Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November.
That first day of giving thanks to God for His provision has evolved into a day of travel when families gather together, millions of people enjoy lavish parades, and the president “pardons” one or two turkeys. According to one source 90% of families enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
I wonder how many families take time to voice thanks to God as those Pilgrims did. Our family always enjoys a delicious meal, then one by one we acknowledge the ways God has blessed us in the past year. The memories of these times of giving thanks are a treasure to me. From the youngest to the oldest in our family, expressions of thanks honor God and bless family members. Having lost my mother, I still remember those words she spoke through the years. I see how my children and grandchildren have grown in their faith as they acknowledge their blessings.
Often the day of giving thanks quickly transitions to Christmas preparations as families decorate the tree and start shopping for gifts. Truly, Thanksgiving is a time to focus on gifts – not the gifts we hope to purchase, but the gifts we have received. The things I am most thankful for – are all gifts from God.
First, we are given the gift of life and God also gave us the gift of free will. In Psalms we read that children are a gift from God and in Proverbs, “Ears to hear and eyes to see – both are gifts from the Lord.” We are offered the gift of righteousness, the gift of forgiveness. We are given Spiritual gifts that equip us to help each other. We are given the gift of love, of peace, of hope and joy. God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit. God offers to us the free gift of salvation and eternal life.
These gifts are not forced upon us but are offered freely to all who will receive. Unlike material gifts they are life transforming, unchanging and never ending. They will not malfunction or break and one can both receive them and give them to others without losing them. For all these gifts from God, I am deeply thankful.
We read in Psalm 50:23 (NLT) “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.” May we honor God this Thanksgiving and every day with a sacrifice of thanksgiving.”
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7 (NLT)
Although this year has been hard, I am thankful that God has seen us through the rough spots. I am forever thankful for His incredible mercy and love.
I am thankful.for God’s faithfulness. He always deserves our praise.
I am thankful that God has with me during the good and difficult times.