Thanksgiving is an underrated holiday. It is squeezed in between Halloween and Christmas, but its true meaning is lost to the majority of Americans. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just a day to get together with family and friends to watch football and eat turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. But instead, it is a day to reflect on and be thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us.
The Pilgrims recognized this as they suffered from hunger, sickness, and the death of loved ones, after traveling to the New World from England in search of religious freedom. With the help of the Indians, they were able to produce a bountiful crop in the fall of 1621. They acknowledged that God was the source of their abundant harvest, and they chose to celebrate this blessing with the Indians who helped them yield their crop. What a fine group of people for us to emulate.
Incidentally, to throw in a little politics, the Pilgrims attempted an “It Takes a Village” form of government. They soon found that some settlers were more industrious than others; there was no incentive to work hard under the communal plan, and it was quickly dropped. Free enterprise was adopted, and the community began to thrive. The Pilgrims traded unneeded goods with the Indians for materials they desired. Capitalism worked in the 1600’s, as well--not a new concept. Seems this information is missing in our public school history textbooks.
On this Thanksgiving, let us follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrims and stop and show appreciation and honor to our God, the true source of all our many provisions. The Bible says in James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” What are you thankful for?
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