It took the Mayflower three months to cross the Atlantic to land at Plymouth on December 22, 1620. Originally headed for Virginia to a more temperate climate, the 102 passengers ended up in cold New England. More than half had died by the time they celebrated their harvest in September 1621 with about two dozen Native Americans, but they still gave thanks.
The myth of the First Thanksgiving, as we call it, speak to a deeper truth, as myths often do. What is essential to this day is that we remember the sacrifice of others that enabled us to establish our Nation, flawed as it is, and to learn how to move beyond anger and fear into a real sense of gratitude for all we have.
Our ancestors who came from all parts of the world were responsible for the lives we are able to live today. Our debt of gratitude should be one of welcome and integration, not exclusion. Rather than trying to figure out who gets what piece of the pie we have, we should just consider using a bigger pie pan.
Prayer for the Day
Giving thanks for all we have, we remember those,
Who searching for freedom were welcomed to this land;
Giving thanks for the opportunity to give to others,
We remember those who have little in our land of bounty.
Merciful One, heal our divisions, removing bitterness of soul,
So we are able to extend ourselves in this time.
In the name of the One who shows us the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Now the only way to avoid this shipwreck, and to provide for our posterity, is to follow the counsel of Micah, to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God. For this end, we must be knit together, in this work, as one man. We must entertain each other in brotherly affection. We must be willing to abridge ourselves of our superfluities, for the supply of other’s necessities. We must uphold a familiar commerce together in all meekness, gentleness, patience and liberality. We must delight in each other; make other’s conditions our own; rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work, as members of the same body. So shall we keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.
John Winthrop, Puritan from “City on a Hill” 1630 (1588-1649)
And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8