Thanksgiving week is here, and the day of culinary over-indulgence, shopping and football has been celebrated. Gratitude sometimes gets lost in the multitude of other things so let’s consider the intense necessity of gratitude as a lifestyle especially when life is difficult and disappointing; rather than just one day annually, in good and plentiful times.
If the Pilgrims had relied on circumstances to determine thankfulness, they would not have found reason to celebrate at the end of that first terrible winter. By the end of March 1621, all passengers had moved from the Mayflower to land shelters. During that winter, over half had died of starvation, cold, and disease. The statistics tell the story of appalling struggle: December, six people died; January, eight; February, seventeen; and March, thirteen.
Four families were completely wiped out. There was only one family that didn’t lose at least one member. Thirteen of eighteen married women died. Three of thirteen children perished, indicating that mothers were probably giving their food to the children. Seven were husbands and fathers. Others were indentured servants and recruited passengers who were not necessarily seeking religious freedom.
By local standards, the winter was fairly mild. The Plymouth settlers were simply not used to the terribly inadequate diet and exposure to the elements. Had it been a severe winter, likely no one would have survived.
During this horrendous time of deprivation and loss, there was fear and most likely some complaining, but a journal states “they had the example of wisdom, encouragement, patience, and a governor who was just and fair.” Apparently, the survivors predominately practiced hopeful patience and gratitude, because when the Mayflower prepared to return to England in April 1621, no one accepted the captain’s offer to take any survivors who wanted to go back with him, at no charge.
Paul warns what happens when gratitude is lacking, and selfish entitlement prevails: (2 Timothy 3:1-4 Amplified): “In the last days, perilous times of great stress and trouble will come… for people will be lovers of self, utterly self-centered, lovers of money… proud, arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive scoffers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane…without natural human affection…callous and inhuman… troublemakers, intemperate, loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good...lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.
A grateful, thankful attitude is clearly God’s will: (1 Thessalonians 5:14-19 NASU): “…admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 5:15-20 (Amplified): “Look carefully how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily, not as the unwise and witless, but as sensible, intelligent people, making the most of the time…because the days are evil…do not get drunk with wine—that is debauchery! Instead be filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit...at all times and over everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.”
We are God’s beloved sons and daughters! Let’s determine to practice gratitude year-round, in and over every circumstance, so that those who don’t know God’s goodness will see our trusting, thankful responses in daily trials as well as in good times.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are often especially difficult for many who struggle with broken relationships. Infinite Grace Ministries teaches how to live free from depression and anxiety by focusing on God’s love for us; expressed in the life and death of Jesus. By praying and giving financially, you become an essential part of this ministry of hope. Please consider Infinite Grace Ministries in your year-end and year-round giving—an eternal investment in this and future generations. (580-774-2884)
