A Season of Thanks

I remember coloring and pasting large pilgrim figures when I was in the second grade. We had so much fun with holidays back then. When I taught kindergarten, we made turkeys and papooses and on the day before Thanksgiving, we had a big feast with all the kindergarten classes together. The boys wore tall black construction paper hats and the girls were dressed in very cute folded blue and white caps. The meal was stew, cornbread, and cider. What a lot of work and preparation, but the children enjoyed it.

These are just the trimmings of a wonderful day. When I think of the original pilgrims crossing a treacherous sea just to worship the way they wanted, without some authority telling them what they had to be and do, well it was worth it for them. How they made it through the winter and learned to survive is amazing. And yet, in spite of the cold, little food, and the deaths of many loved ones, they somehow managed to have a grateful heart. No whining little pity parties. Just a bold, brave, determined and free people giving thanks.

I like to think of that sturdy band of saints this season, because we all are having difficulties with similar situations. I hope we can look past the paper cutouts, the huge dinner, and even the family gatherings to pause and thank our God for His bounty and continued blessings. That's what I want to do. His faithfulness this year has been so precious. For me, it has been a good year, family wise. I thank You, Lord.

I'd like to extend a wonderful wish for a blessed Thanksgiving Day to one and all!