Prologue: As an amateur historian, I love looking at the "whys" in history. Why did this event happen?...Why did people at a particular time decide to do that?...Why were people so committed to pursuing such an undertaking?...etc.
Suddenly, one day I stumbled onto a meaning of Thanksgiving!
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Do you remember the saying in the book of Ecclesiastes? There are even songs about it..." For everything there is a season, each moment has a purpose under Heaven. There is an appointed time to be born, an appointed time to die, an appointed time to plant, and an appointed time to harvest. There are right times to weep, other times to laugh, and still, there are times we mourn, and yet other times designated to celebrate and break into dance..."
History is full of all theses moments, and more! The human race is truly a resilient creation, able to overcome the greatest adversity against the most horrible scenarios.
How is man/woman able to do that?
As I follow this train of thought, I came across a stark realization. Having an attitude of gratefulness coupled with the heart being thankful, allows the message of Thanksgiving to permeate the soul.
How? Because it drives us to Him. When we allow our hearts and mind to turn to Heaven, whether it be a good or bad situation we might be presently in, the "magic" begins. We invite His Presence, His Peace, to enter our daily scenarios with enough power to have supernatural results.
The crazy part?
It is impossible to spend too much time thanking and /or praising the One who rules in Heaven. In fact, by practicing this unique exercise allows my friendship with Him to adjust to a healthy and proper perspective.
Suddenly, the First Thanksgiving makes more sense to me. Although the Mayflower had brought from the shores of England 102 passengers, the Thanksgiving table had only 51 still alive. Sickness and calamities had taken its toll, yet the Pilgrims were determined to set aside a time to be thankful. ( Actually, it was a Harvest Festival.. Thanksgiving was actually a day given to fasting and prayer. Look up Washington's 1789 "official" Thanksgiving Day. But hey, this story works...lol.)
So, what is my point?
Designate a time this season to allow the heart to take in the meaning of being thankful, which will culminate in being grateful. It really is a rich experience. As for me, history begins to make sense.
I do need to issue a warning however. If you would decide to practice this art, history does write of things that could possibly happen...to you!
Luke 24:36: " As these men were talking about what they had heard going on in Jerusalem, having a sense of gratefulness for this Teacher who had been cruelly crucified. Suddenly...He stood right there!...among them! He spoke and said to these men " Peace be with you."
Matthew 28:20 (b): " ...And you can be sure of this; I Am with you...always! All the way...to the very end!"
Suddenly, one day I stumbled onto a meaning of Thanksgiving!
-------------------------------------
Do you remember the saying in the book of Ecclesiastes? There are even songs about it..." For everything there is a season, each moment has a purpose under Heaven. There is an appointed time to be born, an appointed time to die, an appointed time to plant, and an appointed time to harvest. There are right times to weep, other times to laugh, and still, there are times we mourn, and yet other times designated to celebrate and break into dance..."
History is full of all theses moments, and more! The human race is truly a resilient creation, able to overcome the greatest adversity against the most horrible scenarios.
How is man/woman able to do that?
As I follow this train of thought, I came across a stark realization. Having an attitude of gratefulness coupled with the heart being thankful, allows the message of Thanksgiving to permeate the soul.
How? Because it drives us to Him. When we allow our hearts and mind to turn to Heaven, whether it be a good or bad situation we might be presently in, the "magic" begins. We invite His Presence, His Peace, to enter our daily scenarios with enough power to have supernatural results.
The crazy part?
Suddenly, the First Thanksgiving makes more sense to me. Although the Mayflower had brought from the shores of England 102 passengers, the Thanksgiving table had only 51 still alive. Sickness and calamities had taken its toll, yet the Pilgrims were determined to set aside a time to be thankful. ( Actually, it was a Harvest Festival.. Thanksgiving was actually a day given to fasting and prayer. Look up Washington's 1789 "official" Thanksgiving Day. But hey, this story works...lol.)
So, what is my point?
Designate a time this season to allow the heart to take in the meaning of being thankful, which will culminate in being grateful. It really is a rich experience. As for me, history begins to make sense.
I do need to issue a warning however. If you would decide to practice this art, history does write of things that could possibly happen...to you!
Luke 24:36: " As these men were talking about what they had heard going on in Jerusalem, having a sense of gratefulness for this Teacher who had been cruelly crucified. Suddenly...He stood right there!...among them! He spoke and said to these men " Peace be with you."
Matthew 28:20 (b): " ...And you can be sure of this; I Am with you...always! All the way...to the very end!"
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