When Thanksgiving comes to mind, many of us grab the waistline and grumble. Inevitably, eating too much goes with the territory on that festive Thursday in November.
Such was not always the case. Those first hardy souls who joined with the Indians to enjoy a repast in the woodlands never could have envisioned what we maintain as “a normal Thanksgiving” today. Their focus was the next meal, and the ingredient were not as important as its existence.
Few of us went out to hunt our main course, but there are exceptions. I remember one particular Thanksgiving day when my father did furnish all the meat — and not from the neighborhood grocery store! That meal was different. Let’s say that we did it just that once.
Looking back, let’s reflect on the motives that spurred the Pilgrims to venture forth over a huge expanse of water in search of a new home. It was religious freedom.
We pride ourselves on that freedom today, and a plethora of religions practice within America’s borders.
Take a moment and put yourself in the position of a Pilgrim. Your main job is to stay alive in a virtually untamed environment. Forest creatures abound, and not all of them are friendly. Weather is unpredictable and shelter is paramount.
You are thankful, not only for food for sustenance, but also for the friendship of natives who join with you to exalt the Almighty. While you name Him God, your Indian neighbors deem Him The Great Spirit.
In any event, you recognize that there is something greater than yourself. A timeless lesson, that knowledge humbles us and prods us to use our time on this earth wisely.
On this Thanksgiving Day, vow to make a difference in your world. Your efforts need not be global. They can be within your own family or neighborhood. By extension, they could be in your township or community. Join with others. There IS strength in numbers.
Encourage others to espouse religion and select a house of worship. We all need a good dose of God on a regular basis. If you are truly thankful for each week, then set aside one hour of it to spend with the Lord. Make sure your children recognize the importance of faith in their lives. You won’t be sorry that you did.
Happy Thanksgiving, readers.