It is a day of remembering our pilgrim ancestors... the Saints and the Strangers as they called themselves. They came with courage, faith, and hope.
They endured the first hard winter and only half survived. Everyone lost loved ones and friends before the first year was over. They prayed together, cried together, and laughed together.
We are instructed to "give thanks in all things." A grateful, thankful heart does not change God. It changes us.
"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." -1 Chronicles 16:8
A grateful heart is stronger than the one that whines and complains. A thankful heart looks for the good in any situation. I am grateful for a history that includes "The First Thanksgiving."
Last year, I listened to a podcast with a historian who runs the Plymouth Plantation. It was fascinating. He spoke of the first twenty years and the relationship between the Native Americans and the new settlers. They learned much from each other. The Pilgrims wanted a fresh start in a new land. The native people warred with other native tribes, but the Pilgrims were more of a curiosity. Native tribes moved when the weather changed or food became scarce. The Pilgrims built homes and put down roots. Curiosity ran deep on both sides.
I am grateful for the dreams and the seeds of hope our ancestors planted. I am grateful they were open to learning from those who were different in appearance and dress. I am grateful for the opportunity to sit with loved ones and give thanks to God for his goodness.
Today, I am grateful for Thanksgiving.
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