Cause for Rejoice

I work in a library and part of my responsibilities is to shelve books. Last month it made sense that the content of books I came across were of suspenseful fiction, picture books of Halloween characters, and many books about fall. On one occasion I came across the Thanksgiving section and pulled a book that read, "What Was the First Thanksgiving?" Simple answer most will give is that it was the celebration of the Pilgrim's first harvest. In looking deeper I find the answer much more meaningful. I ended up checking out the book for my daughter. It was interesting to learn in reading with her that people in the times of the Pilgrims didn't traditionally celebrate holidays like we do. They had days of prayer and thanksgiving whenever something special happened. They spent most of the day in church and called the day a "thanksgiving." (Holub, Joan. 2013. What Was the First Thanksgiving?).

"Blessed be the name of God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land." (Alma 26:36) 

The Pilgrim's were Puritans seeking freedom of religion. In 1620 many seeking a new life took the chance in sailing to the New World in order to find such freedom. The journey wasn't easy, but I would assume that their hope for a better life, kept them pressing forward. After 65 days at sea, they arrived in Massachusetts although they meant to arrive in New York. At some point they realized they needed help. (Holub, Joan. 2013).

Was it mere luck that the following spring they met a Native American who was able to help translate between the local tribes and the Pilgrims to eventually befriend them? (Holub, Joan. 2013). Some may say that it was out of pure self-interest that the settlers became friends with the Natives and helped each other, but I'd like to think that although it may have started as this, that love of their brethren brought on one of the most celebrated holidays today, Thanksgiving; and I strongly believe God played a part.

Around the  time of the recession in 2007, I recall sitting in the dinning room of our little home in Ogden, Utah. It was a tough time for us, and both our jobs had been greatly impacted by the recession. We just stared at the account balance of our checking account and wondered what we would eat for dinner that night. Our credit card was maxed out, we had exhausted our resources. We were fearful and sorrowful about our circumstances. I don't recall getting on our knees for help, but the thought crossed our mind to check our mail. Often what we expected was more bad news in the form of letters, but among the letters that day, we found a $20.00 gift card. To this day we have no idea what it was from, but we were the recipients of it. My heart swelled with gratitude for the knowledge that our Heavenly Father was watching over us, his children.

We may not need to take such risks as to cross oceans to unknown lands, but often life takes us to unknown and uncharted paths. I know that  God provides for our means and is very mindful of our needs. He doesn't only bless those that belong to His church. He loves every one of us and so he is merciful, even merciful beyond what we deserve.

"Now have we not reason to rejoice? I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began. Yea, and my joy is carried away even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name." (Alma 26:35)

What is Thanksgiving to you? Is it a holiday of gluttony and football? Is it a celebration of reduced prices and pre-Christmas shopping? Is it just a day in a year? An excuse to get time off of work? Or do we more intently turn our hearts and thoughts to our Father in praise and thanksgiving for all you have and are?

"Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever." (Alma 26:37) 

May you not only live in thanksgiving once a year, but every day of the year.