So we are studying the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving in History and I have been doing a lot of thinking about what it took to get the Pilgrims to leave everything behind and set out for a new world. I can't imagine walking away from everything I know to go on a trip that would land me in the unknown. When the Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower in 1620, they had very little information about what they were going to find when they arrived in their new land. They also had very little space on the small ship so they had to be selective in what they brought with them. They knew they were going to be on rough waters, they were told about dangerous pirates, they anticipated sickness and disease and yet there were 102 of them who decided to risk it all, for what? For worship! They were not allowed to worship the way they wanted in England so they left behind everything they had known and cared about to go to a place where they could worship God freely!
During November there are lots of posts on Facebook about what people are thankful for. Friends, family, a warm house...all viable candidates, but has anyone ever posted how thankful they were for the Pilgrims? Many days we get depressed by the ongoings of our country and it's lack of Christianity, but could it be worse? If it weren't for these "religious renegades" what would religion in America look like? Would we have the freedoms that we have when it comes to worship? I think we owe a great amount of gratitude to the Pilgrims for being brave enough to set out on a new venture in the name of the Lord and their desire to serve Him.
But I also want you to think about who got you where you are in your spiritual journey. Yes the Pilgrims paved the way, but there are others who directly influenced you in your spiritual walk. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been born into a family that has always put God first. I have parents, grandparents, and had great-grandparents who put God first in our family, always. We have years of experience in our family of Deacons, Training Union teachers, Choir members, baby rockers, Christmas Cantata performers, greeters, and most have been involved in starting churches from the ground up. I am so thankful for the examples they set being faithful tithers, witnesses, and leaders within their church bodies. I know that it is through their model and expectations, that I am where I am today in my walk with Christ. And if there is anything to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, it has to be for these people, my family, who raised me to love Jesus, to share His love with others, and to love His people just as He does.
So, as you consider your daily blessings this November, remember the Pilgrims and the sacrifices they made for all of us to have the freedoms we have when it comes to worship. In addition, reflect on who your "Spiritual GPS" is...who put you on the right road and set those examples for you? Who made sure you knew everything you needed to know about your Creator? Who has, or is, praying for your spiritual growth continually? Acknowledge those people, tell them thank you, because you have a lot to be thankful for!
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
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