Can you even imagine what it would have been like to have landed on land, with a small group of people, to venture out into unchartered thousands upon thousands of acres of land, to create a new home in a place where you would have no idea of what you may come upon each day?
That’s faith.
For the Pilgrims, it took a lot of faith to do what they chose to do.
However, our history also tells us that the celebration of “Thanksgiving” wasn’t just the sitting down of the Pilgrims and Indians who made friendship.
It originally celebrated with the later massacres of Indians on this land which the Pilgrims landed upon.
As I read through the literal gory history, I chose not to include it all in this article, as for most of us, this is a day to celebrate and be thankful for. And, maybe to ask God for forgiveness of our ancestors.
Most kids don’t even know about the Pilgrims and Indians early venture anymore, as it isn’t dwelt upon, or even in the U.S. History books any longer.
Our heritage to look upon is so important, whether good or bad, we learn from it and choose to do better.
In America today, we view Thanksgiving as a day to be thankful, focusing on family, friends, and our relationship with God.
It is said that the Pilgrims arrival at New Plymouth, they composed “The Mayflower Compact which honored God”. They began with acknowledging God as faithful and giving Him thanks in advance for their abundant blessings.
History quotes that in 1621 there was a friendship made between the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag tribe in present-day Massachusetts. However, it was after that time when others landed upon the soil and started to massacre the Indians.
I know that isn’t the “thanksgiving” message you wish to read, but it lets us know that we have come a long way in the USA, to not do terrible things such as that. It is no longer the way of the USA – or shouldn’t be. Today, some of us wonder about things that are happening, that do not fit together.
Regardless, we choose to celebrate family, love, friends and life on this day.
One of the most delicious and huge meals is cooked on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
Families tables are seated with people elbow to elbow and there is usually so much food, some platters and bowls have to be set to the side.
Families in Craig shared how they celebrate:
“We always fix dishes and take them to some elderly who don’t have family.”
“I like it because my mom cooks my favorite dessert, chocolate pie!”
“We have all the family over and enjoy an entire day of food, fellowship and football!”
“I like it because my family doesn’t care if I have third helpings!”
“Thanksgiving is special to us because we invite our neighbors for a special day of feasting.”
Thanksgiving seems to be an important time in most everyone’s life because it’s a time of giving thanks to God, and to people you care about.
For others, it is a time to give to others by serving at the Mission or soup kitchen.
“I always watch the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Day parade while I’m cooking my Thanksgiving dinner for my family!” one older lady shared. “It has been my personal tradition.”
Thanksgiving is regarded as being the beginning of the fall–winter holiday season, as it starts the Christmas spirit for many.
May your holiday be special, your turkey big and your families happy during this special time of celebration! It’s turkey-time!
-Pam Dudding
