Thanksgiving is usually a day off for most people. When they gather for their meal, if they do express thanks, it is usually to each other. They might say things like, “Thank you mom for being such a wonderful example.” But let’s go back to the first Thanksgiving and reflect on the lessons that we can learn from those people.
Those who came over on the Mayflower were city Slickers. They had no idea how to provide for themselves in raw nature. They were completely dependent on the kindness of those already living in the area. Here’s our first lesson. If you can’t prepare or anticipate something, except the kindness of those who are willing to help.
Many of the people who came on the Mayflower died and later during the winter as they huddled on the ship some died also. Their Thanksgiving was not just getting something of interest or new possession. They were grateful to God just for being alive. Our second lesson is to realize how fragile life is as we depend on God’s mercy.
They were not too proud to accept the help of the local natives when it came to planting crops. They were taught to put pieces of fish in the soil as fertilizer. The third lesson is for us to realize that there’s always someone who knows better than we do. We can greatly benefit from those who are wiser and smarter than us.
There is every possibility that there were more natives at the Thanksgiving dinner than those who arrived on the Mayflower. There was no such thing as discrimination. Everyone accepted everyone else for who they were. The natives were very talented at endurance. There’s a major difference between rejecting those who have no capabilities and making demands when they have no right to versus those who have passed experiences and are educated in the way of life. The next lesson is for us to appreciate other people regardless of who they are and appreciate what they can contribute to our lives.
Much of the food that was provided came from the natives as they arrived. This was a matter of share and share alike. We all have needs in our lives. As we see the next lesson, we notice to appreciate the talents of other people; especially those that can add to the quality of our life.
Survival is more than just not being dead. Survival is developing a new lifestyle. It is organizing one’s priorities. It is making decisions that were never thought that needed to be made before. To survive implies an element of conquering over what has been interfering in our lives. Our lesson about survival is to begin seeing ourselves as overcomers under the watch care of God.
Christian Writer 