Giving Thanks for Our Blessings

During the early 17th century, a group of 102 men, women, and children boarded the Mayflower to flee religious persecution in their homeland of England. On December 11, 1620, they landed on Plymouth Rock. While they arrived elated by their newfound religious freedom, they soon found themselves faced with the harsh reality of the winter season.

It didn't take long for the group to realize they were ill-equipped to survive, and the results were devastating. Only 55 members of the original Plymouth colony survived the first winter. Yet in a remarkable act of faith, when the ship's crew sailed back to England the next spring, all 55 pilgrims decided to stay. They were able to get through the hard times knowing they still had life, family and friends, community, the presence of God and the promise of Jesus Christ.

Fortunately, a group of Native Americans befriended the New World settlers and taught them how to live off the land and survive the barren winter. The pilgrims were prepared when the next cold season rolled around, and for that, they were thankful. To celebrate, Pilgrim Governor William Bradford proclaimed that all colonists and their Native American friends gather for a day of thanksgiving. Approximately 90 braves attended the three-day celebration that included games, races, marches, music and, of course, a feast of Thanksgiving.

The Thanksgiving celebration was designated in 1863 by Congress to take place on the fourth Thursday in November as "a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." Thanksgiving celebrations continue to reflect the New World settlers' spirit of humility and being together with those for whom we are most thankful -- our family and friends.

The gathering of friends and family around a table allows us to share more than turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. With our loved ones, we can relay the instances of kindness that have made us happy during our time together and the faith that got us through tough times.

Thanksgiving is a time we can choose to look at these things, a time we can choose to find God speaking to us through what he has given us, and a time, when having looked and found, we decide to truly thank God for what he has given us. I wish you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.

Contact Me

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/crowell.