Thanksgiving is not simply a special day that Abraham Lincoln established out of gratitude for a Union victory at Gettysburg in 1863. It is a spiritual and emotional posture that brings God glory and us great joy. It was this same disposition that carried 102 passengers aboard the Mayflower for 66 days over the winter seas of the Atlantic Ocean just over 400 years ago.
The cramped conditions, the nauseating seasickness and the lack of proper sanitation would fill any 21st century Pilgrim with murmuring and complaining. During this threatening journey, Oceanus was born to Elizabeth Hopkins without the comfort of an epidural or the aid of a doctor. Still, the captain of the vessel noted on more than one occasion of the Christian conduct of the little band of believers.
In Of Plymouth Plantation William Bradford noted on their arrival to the harsh conditions of the wintery Northeast, “… they now had no friends to welcome them, nor inns to entertain and refresh their weatherbeaten bodies, nor houses—much less towns—to repair to.” Even during that first winter of deprivation and disease, they faced death with much grace.
Their example should cause us to be, “rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Col. 2:7) Having a heart of thanksgiving changes the perspective of our eyes, “All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15) Being grateful causes us to look on the good things and not the bad, on what God is doing in our lives, without focusing on what He is not doing.
While sharing around the table about the good things God has done on Thanksgiving Day is an appropriate tradition, one day a year will not change our outlook; it is, however, a great time to start. Encouraging your children to both see and articulate the wonderful deeds of God’s grace to them daily can transform your home into a happy, holy and harmonious place to live.
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