With Gratitude

While each generation is tested and found grateful in its own way, what was originally celebrated at that first Thanksgiving?

Looking back, we find the custom, of setting aside one day in honor of God’s grace and providence, starting in the 17th century. The 1st (Plymouth) Thanksgiving took place in 1621, in the Fall after the Pilgrims arrived. The British North American colonies that eventually formed the United States of America were settled by men and women who (in the face of European persecution) refused to compromise passionately held religious convictions.

The New England colonies: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland -- were conceived and established as "plantations of religion." They enthusiastically supported their leaders efforts to create "a city on a hill" for a "holy experiment," whose success would prove that God’s plan for His church could be successfully realized in the American wilderness.

The historic 1620 voyage of the Mayflower started with 102 passengers, lasted 60 days and was perilous to the all lives aboard. This initial landing party, later referred to as Pilgrims, comprised the founders of New England. The difficulty in clearing land, brutal Winter storms, and disease, claimed the lives of over half the colony that first year.

However, by the grace of God, the fortitude of the settlers, and the help of the Wampanoag indians, the Pilgrims prevailed. Considering their good fortune, the original Thanksgiving was motivated by the plentiful harvest, peace and friendship with the natives, and the establishment of a free colony that would honor God.

Since then, Thanksgiving proclamations have followed by City Founders, U.S. Presidents, and successive Congressional bodies, noting God’s protection and provision. In 1777, the Continental Congress proclaimed the 1st national Thanksgiving. Successive proclamations would also follow by Presidents: Washington, Adams, Monroe, Lincoln, and Roosevelt.

In each generation, Thanksgiving has become all the more dear to those who were called upon to prevail in the midst of revolution, civil war, economic depression, and various threats to freedom posed by the ideological spread of Nazism, Communism, and terrorism. And with each trial, Americans summon anew a courage born of the conviction -- that it's in God we trust.

So this Thanksgiving, when we call to mind the providential grace that God has lavished upon us, let us also be mindful of the means to these ends -- the courageous men and women who have gone before us. Let's remember, that as the recipients of their hard-fought gains -- to whom much has been given, much is required.

And may those who have gone before us find us faithful in carrying on the godly traditions that made this country great...with gratitude.

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2004 "Thank You" Acknowledgements...

My Top 5 List:

5) President Bush - I believe God raised up a principled servant from Midland, Texas for such a time as this. I also recommend you read David Aikman's book "A Man of Faith," to really grasp what has shaped the life of George W. Bush. I don't know about you, but I personally take great comfort in knowing that the 43rd President of the United States -- the most powerful man in the world, is also a man who daily renews his commitment to live the life -- of a man of faith.

4) Military Veterans - There is no greater love, than to lay down your life for your fellow man. And while ever having to resort to war is tragic in and of itself, in the course of human events, on occasion "just wars" must be waged to prevent even greater human tragedy. So for those who, at great personal sacrifice, have risked life and limb in defense of our country, let me extend my deepest admiration and gratitude. Service men and women of our armed forces -- I salute you.

3) Values Voters - To those who expended their time, talent, and treasure in volunteer work to make the 2004 campaigns and election so successful let me say...thank you. And to those who summoned the courage to look beyond the expedient course of immediate gratification, who prayerfully counted the cost of wearing the mantle of "citizen" in the greatest nation on earth, because you took a stand for righteousness in our time -- future generations will say...thank you.

2) Family & friends - For some reason it seems as if those nearest and dearest to me, never adequately receive the love, appreciation, and gratitude that they so richly deserve -- just for being who you are. So in this season of thanksgiving, allow me to personally acknowledge my wife Wendy, my daughter's Jackie & Erika, my Mom & Dad, my brothers and sisters, my Church family, and my friends elsewhere. You have provided me (and countless others) blessings in this life, that are sure to echo in eternity.

1) The Almighty - Think for a moment. What do we have of any merit or value that wasn't first granted to us from above? Surely all that is praiseworthy comes from Him, and rightly should be for Him, and ultimately will be to Him. And how I long to stand in that assembly which will praise the Father, Son and Holy Spirit forever.

Roy Tanner