Nov. 25, 2010
DEVOTION: THANKSGIVING...HARDLY
By Beth Bondurant
Reading the history of Thanksgiving...one is reminded of the hardships our ancestors experienced in "the new world" that we now call home. Among the historical facts surrounding Thanksgiving... the Wampanoag Indians are said to have been among those celebrating this day in New England around 1621.
Consider the difference in lifestyle from that day until now. We might be able to find those who still exercise in the daily tasks of fishing... planting... harvesting and hunting.. but more than likely this type work is now our "hobby" ... rather than our livelihood.
Yet, hardship is still a descriptive word for life. A time of THANKSGIVING TO GOD focuses us on "what goodness and mercy follows us" day by day.
What good is it...
to fuss over each and every detail of the Thanksgiving feast
to labor day/night providing things that will only be a fleeting memory
to spread a table with narrowed inclusiveness
to harbor regret for anything lacking in our assigned expectations
"I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I've done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting."
O God, I put too much stock in doing things for others... yet not appreciating the gift of giving. Help me prepare not only the house...the food... the details of gathering but also feed my spirit on the goodness and mercy so bountifully "spread for me" by your love and grace. Forgive me for hardly having time for Thanks-giving. Help me lift up each person I see at the table and pour out my gratitude for Your gift of everlasting love and mercy that covers our need no matter where the place or what the job. YOU INDEED are our hope in understanding the meaning of Thanksgiving... HARDLY.