The Thanksgiving holiday here in the good old U.S. is not unique to us. Most cultures and religious traditions have something similar. It is interesting to note that the origin of Thanksgiving in America goes back to the Pilgrims in Plymouth. They had landed at Plymouth Rock on December 11th, 1620, and that first year was brutal. Over half of them died. Disease and hunger had been rampant. In November of 1621 Governor William Bradford proclaimed a time of thankfulness for those who had survived that first year. Members of the Wampanoag tribe were invited to celebrate with the Pilgrims. Ninety of them attended the celebration along with their chief, Massasoit. The celebration lasted three days. The Pilgrims were not hostile to the native Americans. The Wampanoag inhabited what is present day Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They had taught the Pilgrim colony to plant a native crop, maze. By all accounts they were mutually respectful. Governor Bradford’s proclamation called upon the Pilgrims to give thanks to God, to focus on their benefits and their friendships and families. They were led by a belief that all men everywhere should know God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
As the country grew Thanksgiving to God became a pattern. The Continental Congress proclaimed Thanksgiving to our Creator. George Washington proclaimed a day of thanksgiving to God for all His benefits. By this time the pattern was set. Each subsequent president would proclaim a day of Thanksgiving each year. Even during the Civil War Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving. And it was directed to God. The only “wall of separation” between the government and religion was to prevent the government from imposing religion and setting itself as parochial. There was full expectation that religion, specifically Christianity, would influence government. It was not until FDR’s term in 1941 that the fourth Thursday of November would be a yearly national holiday for the purpose of thankfulness. I have read each of the historical proclamations of Thanksgiving. There is no vagueness in what and towards Whom that thankfulness is to be expressed. In my 35 years of ministry I have seen that the happiest and most balanced people are those who practice thankfulness, not just once a year, but as a lifestyle. The framers of our constitution were also careful to respect those who had a different religious orientation, after all, the Pilgrims came here for religious freedom.
That being said I want to take a minute and discuss the attitude of gratitude and why it is important. Let me use the word THANK as an acronym to explain this.
Truth. We give thanks because it is appropriate. It reminds us of those who have blessed us and helped us. We do it because it is true. Thankfulness keeps us honest.
Humility. The second reason to be thankful is that it is a source of humility. The person who stands the tallest is that person who is penitent and not self-promoting. Every good leader has this quality. We owe a debt to others, especially God. Thankfulness is sacrificial.
Attitude. Thankfulness is not just a reaction, it is a choice. It is a person consciously choosing to do so. No person is ever angry without a cause. No person is ever thankful without a willful decision. You can choose to be thankful. If you will change your mind, your heart can be changed.
Necessary. Not only is thankfulness a choice it is absolutely necessary for fellowship and strong relationships. The bible teaches that we enter God’s courts (the place of fellowship) with thanksgiving. It is the ground in which the fruit of love is produced. Thankfulness tears down walls, builds bridges and binds hearts. We don’t have to be thankful for everything, but we can be thankful in everything. Many times, that attitude is necessary to get us through.
Keeps. Thankfulness keeps us on the right path. It is a test of our heart’s condition. It keeps relationships healthy and our heart focused.
Remember: Thankfulness is not fully experienced until is verbalized. Express it today! Happy Thanksgiving!
