All across America, Thanksgiving is being celebrated. Too many people think of turkeys & football, and forget entirely how Thanksgiving started.
The Pilgrims who helped establish Plymouth Colony in 1620 (most people don’t realize that, of the 102 people who came to the New World on the Mayflower, only about 35 were Pilgrims) belonged to the most uncompromising group of Puritans, the Separatists, who had severed all ties with the Church of England. They were members of a group who had emigrated to Holland in 1607 to escape religious persecution. The Dutch granted them asylum and political toleration, but restricted them, for the most part, to unskilled labor. After ten long and laborious years, these English refugees had wearied of their struggle for basic survival in a land where their children were growing up Dutch rather than English. The idea of forming their own community in the New World began to look enticing.
In the fall of 1621, the settlers harvested their first crops. But if it hadn’t been for native American staples like corn, squash, beans, pumpkin, potato, and other fruits and vegetables, the Pilgrims would literally have starved to death, for none of the seeds brought aboard the Mayflower – except barley – yielded usable crops. I’m sure the Puritans were thankful just to be alive, despite being in a harsh & strange land with almost no creature comforts.
What I Am Thankful For
I am thankful that I’m alive, relatively healthy, and able to use all my senses. Sometimes I bitch about the hassles of being “blind” without my glasses but I’m very grateful I can see the wonders of nature, and the faces of my loved ones.
I am thankful for my two beautiful, healthy, terrific daughters. Sometimes I bitch about the hassles of parenthood, but they have brought me more rewards than I ever dreamt possible.
I am thankful for the wonderful relationship I have with Geoffrey, and everything he brings into my life. Sometimes I bitch about the hassles that a lifetime commitment brings, but words are completely inadequate to express all that he means to me. He is my best beloved, my true soulmate.
I am thankful for my dearest friends, who’ve been there for me over the years, even if they disagreed with me about something important. They never abandoned me or let me down; they accept me for who I am. Brenda, Lyse, Karel, Molly, Mari, Robert, Jenn – thank you for being you. You give me very little to bitch about.
I am thankful for the many other people who’ve extended the hand of friendship to me. Though we might go months or years without contact – or we might only know each other online! – we have a level of comfort and fondness that is dear to my heart. Sometimes I bitch about being too busy with too many friends (as if such a thing were possible!), but the lonely girl I used to be finds such an abundance of caring to be almost overwhelmingly joyous.
I am thankful for my gods, and the lessons that my faith has taught me. Though Thanksgiving as it’s practiced in the U.S. may come from Christian origins, harvest festivals of thanks have likely been around since the dawn of humanity, and certainly predate Christianity. Sometimes I bitch about people who call themselves Wiccan, yet don’t seem to “get it,” but I try to remember that it’s probably just another Life Lesson that I have to learn.
I am very thankful to live in a country where my freedom of faith, my freedom of speech, and my life & liberties are protected. Sometimes I bitch about how my countrymen disappoint me, but I couldn’t imagine wanting to call anywhere else home.
I am thankful that I have a job which is rewarding, low-stress, and makes a living wage. Sometimes I bitch about the hassles of work (who doesn’t?!), but even if it’s not a “career,” it’s the best employment I’ve ever had.
I am also thankful for the trials and griefs and struggles I’ve experienced. Sometimes I bitch about the crap I’ve been through, but it has helped make me the person I am today, and that’s someone I’m grateful to be.
I could go on listing my blessings, but I’d rather go enjoy them!
