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Immanuel Baptist "On the Journey" Articles |
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November 18, 2004
A Day for Thanks On 6 September 1620, forty-four saints and sixty-six strangers boarded the Mayflower in Plymouth, England, to begin their journey to America. They sighted land off Cape Cod on 10 November after sixty-five days at sea. During the voyage, many became sick, but only one member of the group died. They finally landed at Plymouth, which was named by Captain John Smith in 1614. They prepared for their first winter in the new world. The first winter was severe and less than fifty members of the original group survived. As winter became spring, the small band of Pilgrims struggled to prepare the soil for planting. They were alone attempting to survive in a strange new world. On 16 March 1621, an Indian walked into the settlement. At first, the Pilgrims were frightened, but then the Indian said, “Hello,” in English. The Indian’s name was Samoset. He left the Indians and returned a few days later with a friend named Squanto, who spoke fluent English. Squanto had traveled to England and Spain with fishermen who had fished the Atlantic coast. The Plymouth settlement might have failed if not for the generosity of Squanto. He taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn in mounds. He introduced them to native herbs and plants that were good for medicinal purposes. Squanto also showed the Pilgrims how to fertilize their crops with fish. After the harvest, the Pilgrims invited about ninety Indians to join them for a festival. The festival lasted for three days. This festival, which was held only once, is believed to be the first Thanksgiving Day observed in America in mid-October of 1621. I love the images of Thanksgiving encouraged by this story. The Pilgrims celebrated not only the blessings of God as the harvest was gathered, but they celebrated the generosity of strangers who had helped them survive. The Pilgrims had fled to the American continent seeking to worship God as they pleased. Yet, their survival depended upon strangers met in the new world. At the very heart of the Thanksgiving celebration, we find gratitude. As with the Pilgrims, there is gratitude to God for his many blessings. There is also gratitude for those around us who have shared generously their lives with us. I hope that on Thanksgiving Day you will take an opportunity to do several things. First, I encourage you to begin a family tradition of telling the story of the Pilgrims and Squanto to your children. There are several children’s books that tell this story in an entertaining way. If all your children are grown, take a few minutes to remember how the Pilgrims paused to offer thanks to God. They refused to assume that the harvest was the result of their hard work alone. God had provided for them in a strange new world. Second, give each person at the table an opportunity to name the blessings for which they are thankful this year. I think it helps to give every one a few minutes for reflection and a slip of paper. There are special moments to be received as you write down for the small children their blessings. For adults, the slip of paper brings some intentionality to what we are doing. Writing requires us to pause and think. When every one is finished, give each person time to read their list and make any comments. Third, let every one have an opportunity to speak of people who have blessed their lives in unique ways. Some of these folks may no longer share this earth with us. It will be a good thing to call their names and remember their blessings. I suspect you will be surprised as you listen to the living people named and the gifts they have shared. You may discover that the smallest things are remembered most dearly—a word spoken, an embrace, a small gift, or moments spent together working side-by-side or watching a ball game. Last, but certainly not the least, allow every one at the table to voice their own prayer of thanksgiving to God. Don’t defer to the person sitting at the head of the table. If a minister shares your table on Thanksgiving Day, don’t make him or her the “designated pray-er.” Don’t worry about embarrassing guests. After all, it is Thanksgiving Day. It is a day to speak about God without embarrassment. It is a day for remembering that we did not secure all the blessings we have received by our ambition, hard work, or ingenuity alone. God has helped us, and God has brought into our lives generous people who shared life-enhancing gifts with us. Therefore, let us bow to pray with every voice offering words of thanks to God. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Perhaps, too, you will choose to create some family traditions that will make this day even more meaningful this year and in years to come. Thanks be to God for all of you, and may His blessings fill your heart with joy.jamie |
Website last updated: Monday, December 20, 2004 Website Related Questions/Comments: Chris Cash-ccash@vci.net |
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Immanuel Baptist Church - 3465 Buckner Lane - Paducah, KY, 42001 - 270.443.5306 - www.immanuel-paducah.org |