Pilgrim Essence

Leftovers.  The word receives such a bad rap.  Yet, my fridge is full of delectable yummies just waiting to be devoured.  And perhaps the best part of it all?  I don't have to cook for a few days.  Ah, now that merits a sigh worth mentioning! 

However, this condition did not come about by magic or slump.

Long before turkey day, preparation was made.  It started with recipes, a dinner plan, and grocery shopping.  The house was swept through with a gusto, clutter corners mercilessly transformed, and even furniture rearranged.  This hobbit house, so accustomed to midget people, must be ready for the tall.

At last 'twas the day before feast, and all through the house, every creature was working, even the washing machine, the vacuum . . . the oven.  Oh the sacrifice of that oven, giving its heat to produce one dish after another. 

Our country has enjoyed the leftovers of our forefathers for quite some time now.  As I think on these first pilgrims I cannot help but be truly thankful.  Without their courage, endurance, patience, sacrifice, and tenacious trust in the Lord, our country would not be what it is today.

My favorite story comes from William Bradford's diary.   The pilgrims had planted their corn with the fish, as Squanto advised.  But the skies produced no rain.  From May through July, 12 weeks, they experienced drought like never before.  Desperate, they proclaimed a day of fasting and prayer, calling out to the Lord for mercy . . . all the while, watched by the Native Americans.

The very next day, clouds rolled in, and God sent a gentle, drizzly rain which revived the crops into an abundant harvest.  It was not a rain met with thunder and lightening, not a rain with fierce downpours, but the softest falling of grace.  God heard their cries and responded with favor.

It was after this harvest that William Bradford called for an official feast of celebration that we now know as Thanksgiving. 

Someone inquired about what was written on the back of these adorable party favors made by my mother-in-law.

This post is in answer to that question.  Written here, is the exact quote from Bradford's diary of the proclamation of Thanksgiving.

The history of the United States has many accounts of such heroes, men and women of valor.  But secular society has contorted the story, leaving out select portions . . . the faith in God parts.

I don't want my children to neglect their heritage, because leftovers do not last forever.  And flowers fade. They themselves must be active participants in creating history for generations yet to be born.  Real reward still comes from courage, endurance, sacrifice, and an unwavering faith in God.

May God be merciful to our beloved country, this U.S. of A.  Oh God of our fathers, we seek Your face, longing for Your smile.