This Week is Thanksgiving

All know the fruit, few know the root. The Pilgrims, a rag-tag bunch of seperatist "harried" out of the land of England decide to make a new nation. The "were enlightened by the word of God" and decided to reform their ways, "no matter what it costs them. And cost them something it would," writes William Bradford in his History of Plymouth Plantation.

For ten years now I've studied the Pilgrims at Thanksgiving. They are the faithful minority that changed history. Here's how:

Radical Obedience to the word of God--Their promise was that they would walk in all the ways of God known to them, and that He would make known to them.

Covenanted Relationship--They binded themselves together first into a church and later into a "civil body polick" in the Mayflower Compact which became the foundation for the American system of government by consent.

Perseverence--Man, they went through some trials. Separated from loved ones, persecuted, starving, dying, freezing, landing in a "barren and desolate wilderness" with no houses or friend to welcome their weatherbeaten bodies. (66 days on a ship.)

And Gratefulness--No matter what the Pilgrims faced, it seemed like they always saw His face. His hand was guiding them, and they were accutely aware that their sufferings were a part of a bigger picture. Oh, to have this perspective.

So now I sit in my paneled home, my lighted and warm computer, civil government providing my every need, worshipping freely and I have the gall to be unthankful. Oh for mercy.

The season calls me to remember sacrifice, and to be grateful for oh so many blessings. Few such examples are left from which nations can spring.