Will I eat too much this year? Probably. Will you?

There’s something special about Thanksgiving dinner, isn’t there? Is it the more than normal number of side dishes? Is it the idea of a “feast”? Maybe it’s just the novelty of having something you don’t eat that often, like turkey!

For this traditional holiday of Thanksgiving, there are lots of family traditions. Some opt for ham instead of turkey; some play games before the big feast; some watch all the football games, before, during, and after eating; and some people will eat dessert no matter how full they really are.

A Day To Give Thanks

Oh, and of course, it’s the day we are supposed to give thanks, right? Isn’t that how this whole tradition started in the first place?

On August 1, 1620, the Mayflower set sail for the new world. A total of 102 passengers were aboard, including forty Pilgrims led by William Bradford. It was during this long journey that Bradford set up an agreement that established just and equal laws for all members of the new community, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

This agreement is called the Mayflower Compact. Where did the ideas expressed in this agreement come from? They came from the Bible. The Pilgrims were a people who deeply respected the Scriptures.

After the long three month journey to the New World, they were not greeted by friends, a nice hotel and delicious meals. The New World was indeed “new.” Bradford described it as “a cold, barren, desolate wilderness.”

The First Winter

During the first winter, half the Pilgrims, including Bradford’s own wife, died of starvation, sickness, or exposure. When the long cold winter was over, the Pilgrims who survived were a long way from prospering.

Some Indians taught them how to plant corn, fish for cod and skin beavers for coats. The Indians were helpful. The Pilgrims were grateful.

What is referred to as “The First Thanksgiving” were these devout Pilgrims expressing their gratitude to God for surviving the first year. Later, in 1789, in his first year, as the first president of the United States, George Washington made a proclamation.

There is always something about which we can express our thanks to God. And not just on one special traditional day. Expressing our gratitude, specifically and consistently, on a daily basis, and not out of duty, is a way of life.