One step at a time

Creating an enjoyable journey for myself and my family.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Thanksgiving

Have you ever imagined what it would have been like at the first Thanksgiving? In a word, rough. Massachusetts in November is cold. The pilgrims were struggling in so many ways: sickness, hunger, Indians, and severe weather. These people were struggling to establish a life from scratch on foreign soil. In 1623 there was a near catastrophic drought in the Plymouth colony, and yet the Governor William Bradford wrote in his journal:


And afterwards the Lord sent them such seasonable showers, with interchange of fair warm weather as, through His blessing, caused a fruitful and liberal harvest, to their no small comfort and rejoicing. For which mercy, in time convenient, they also set apart a day of thanksgiving… By this time harvest was come, and instead of famine now God gave them plenty … for which they blessed God. And the effect of their particular planting was well seen, for all had … pretty well … so as any general want or famine had not been amongst them since to this day.


On a daily basis there are unpleasant circumstances that must be faced. The car needs repairs, your kids haven't finished their homework on time, you sleep through your alarm on the day when you have an important early morning appointment, your new mattress isn't nearly as "cloud-like" as the sales people made you believe it would be, it rains when you have outdoor family photos scheduled....the list could go on forever. Despite challenges, through the mercy of God, I feel thankful for so much.


I'm thankful for the home we can peacefully enjoy as a family.
I'm thankful for friends who visit bringing cheer and goodwill this time  of year.
I'm thankful to feel warm and safe when it hits 30 degrees at night.
I'm thankful that our new church congregation has made us feel so welcome.
I'm thankful that my daughters are happy, healthy and thriving.
I'm thankful for my grandparents and ancestors.
I'm thankful for my parents, all six of them.
I'm thankful for my siblings and in-laws, all fifteen of them.
I'm thankful for my darling nieces and nephews.
I'm thankful for our family budget.
I'm thankful for an understanding of my infinite worth (and yours) as a human being.
I'm thankful for a sound body and mind.
I'm thankful for ever-expanding business and personal opportunities.
I'm thankful for a generous and thoughtful spouse.
I'm thankful for 33 wonderful years of life.


This Thanksgiving, I hope you have many things to be thankful for.