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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
At this time of year when we are encouraged to take stock of our blessings and to share our bounty, love and thankfulness like no other - who should we give thanks to? Our parents, for raising us well, for doing their best? Our families and friends for sticking by us and putting up with us through good and bad times? Our spouses for really knowing us and loving us anyway? Our teachers and preachers who did their best to teach us to be successful and righteous? Absolutely! But is that what the Thanksgiving Season is all about? For regardless of politically correct teaching concerning Thanksgiving being observed that first time to primarily thank the Indians for their integral part in the establishment of European settlers on their shores, that fails to recognize the real focal point of their celebration – thankfulness to God. As in the midst of hardship and shortcoming, the colonists still gave thanks for what they had; for in their want and lack they gained a higher appreciation of what they did have.
After the first harvest was completed by the Plymouth colonists in 1621, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of prayer and thanksgiving. This was to be shared in by all the colonists as well as the neighboring Indians who had helped so much by teaching the colonists how to hunt the animals and plant the food stuffs of this new world. It had been a long voyage from Europe to the shores of this strange land and they had arrived too late to plant crops. Survival was dependent on rude huts and food transported with them, the little they could hunt and gather and food the Indians brought to share or trade with them. Not everyone survived the harsh winter but many did; continued survival depended on the crops just harvested.
In 1623, a day of fasting and prayer during a period of drought was changed to one of giving thanks as a result of the coming of rain during prayer time. Harvest festivals were a common occurrence back home in the Old World but the custom of setting aside a day for prayer and thanksgiving as well as celebration became an annual observance across the New England territory. It was the Continental Congress that first suggested a yearly day of national thanksgiving during the American Revolution when there would seem to be little to be thankful for; yet they realized that nothing of import comes without a price. The price they would pay would be steep indeed for freedom, but the prize to be gained was deemed worth it. To live, love, and worship as one saw fit; owing allegiance to God and family and guided by the principles of a God-fearing and man-respecting government. They learned the lesson of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 well. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (See also Philippians 4:4,6)
Give thanks in everything?! Colonists got sick and died. But they were free! In a way they had never dreamed of before. Free to be who they wanted, do what they wanted, go where they wished. Just to have that opportunity was worth the risk to people denied almost all basic rights and privileges in the Europe of that time. Free to die on the battlefield to help forge a new nation from the wilderness? Free to hand on to a son or daughter the opportunity to be all they dreamed of. Free to live and worship as they saw fit and empowered in that freedom to be willing to fully sacrifice themselves to ensure a bright future for those who would follow.
In 1817, New York state adopted Thanksgiving as a yearly observance. By the mid 19th century many other states followed suit. It was Abraham Lincoln who in 1863 appointed a national day of giving thanks, again during a time of great national turmoil; the Civil War. Certainly not being thankful for the suffering, economic hardship, destruction of property and loss of life. But for the opportunity to stand for something - again freedom. Giving thanks for the opportunities freedom could and would offer all men, if not fully in that moment then in the future as the victory was won. A day to ask for continued blessing as well as acknowledging past blessings received. An opportunity to look back on the experience of having received help in times of trouble in the past, bolstering the soul and spirit in the expectation of being blessed again. They saw the steadfastness of God revealed as a result of faithfulness on the part of his people; a tradition of blessing received - thanks given. If you listen closely, you can almost hear them reciting with the Hebrew writer, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise… And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:15
Paul admonishes in his letter to the Ephesians, "...always give thanks to God the Father for everything,..." Ephesians 5:20 'But how can I? Not everything benefits me! I don't like everything that happens. I don't understand a lot of what takes place.' Much of thankfulness has to do with our perspective and attitude toward life. Some people suffer through hardship or calamity and ask, "Why me?" Others realize it could have been worse, and thank God it wasn't. Some people see gloom and doom, others see opportunity to serve; some continually question their fate while others understand what they can and do what they must. Much comes from what we expect from life and from what we intend to put into it rather than get from it.
The Plymouth colonists second winter was again rough, ending with a daily food ration of five kernels of corn apiece until spring finally came - but all survived. They put their crops out, hunted and fished, restocked their provisions from a trading vessel and prepared to celebrate another Thanksgiving Day. The first course that year was a reminder of the past. On a plate in front of each colonist were five kernels of corn - and then the feast began; combining that remembrance of past difficulties with the realization of God's provision.
This year, amidst the food, family and fellowship - let's not forget to give thanks to the one who has made the enjoyment of all these blessings possible. Give thanks to God this Thanksgiving!
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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