And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15
Here is the interesting thing to me: The Pilgrims did not have a pastor with them during the first year of their coming to the New World. Yet, they maintained their studies, they declared the word, and above all showed love one to another and to those outside of their faith.
We forget much too often the challenges we face and the different ways people handle challenges. Some people like to take a bulldog approach by just barreling their way through things. This is effective, but hard to maintain. There are those who take the laughing hyaena approach by joking or laughing things off. This is good for moral, but hardly the way to make things lasting. Then there are those who liken themselves to a beaver. They analyze things over and again unto perfection. This again is good, but it may take them months to finish even the simplest project, and when it is done, still ponder what more could they do to improve upon the idea. Finally, there is the golden retriever way. Ever loving, always feeling and always giving. You might say their approach is looking for the best in everything. This is good, but hardly enough for action.
Now combine the four into one and you have a unit of driven people, who use the caring aspect of some, the lightheartedness of others and the wisdom of the analytical to make things happen. I do not know the Pilgrims entirely, wish I did, but I see the drive of those that helped. Men like Squanto brought understanding and direction to the Pilgrims. It was the peaceful heart of Massasoit and Samoset that made even the leery Indians accepting of the newcomers. It was the love of the Pilgrims and their appreciation for all that was done for them that the struck upon an idea; Let’s show thanks to those that helped us and show them godliness in return.
We must remember that Thanksgiving requires a direction. We are thankful to God for all that He has done for us. Without this knowledge, there is no Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving isn’t about football or food, even though, this makes it more enjoyable. It is about true faith and appreciation for what God has done.
Think about it…
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