Something I'm Thankful for

On September 6, 1620 one hundred and thirty two souls set sail from Plymouth, England bound for the Virginia colonies on a little craft named the Mayflower. During a three months journey they endured ferocious gales and difficulty. During their time at sea, two members of the expedition succumbed to illness and were buried at sea. On November 9 they finally spotted land; only to find they were much farther north than they had planned. After several efforts to sail south along coast, they finally returned to Cap Cod to set up winter quarters. Due to shortages of provisions, the cold weather and the rude shelters they could quickly build; life was unbearable and difficult. Within that first winter 50 had died. Among them was Rose, the wife of Capt. Miles Standish. Despite his unbearable grief at her loss, he devoted himself to nursing and caring for other sick- among them his dear friend William Bradford.

Despite all their losses and all their remaining fear, one year later at the time of harvest they gathered with their newly befriended Indians and joined their hearts in a time of gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord God Almighty. As we gather with friends and family, let us also lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving to Jesus Christ our Redeemer.