A Thanksgiving Lesson From the Pilgrims

By: Joanne Viola

Thanksgiving Day is almost upon us. It brought to mind a quote I had written down years ago, although I did not jot down the source:

"As the intrepid Mayflower travelers were preparing to leave England and head into the unknown, Bradford wrote about what was in their hearts. “They knew they were pilgrims, and looked not so much on these things, but lifted up their eyes to the heavens, their dearest country, and quieted their spirits.”

We can learn three lessons from the Pilgrims:

1. Identity. The Pilgrims knew they were pilgrims. They knew who they were and to Whom they belonged.
2. Journey. In knowing their identity, the Pilgrims knew they needed to make this journey. They knew they had to go somewhere in order to fulfill their purpose.
3. Focus. The Pilgrims knew they had to maintain their focus. They did not let weather or difficulties deter them from what they needed to do.

To maintain a heart of thanksgiving we are going to need to be just as the Pilgrims were in their day. We must know our identity, know where we are journeying, and always maintain our focus.

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
(Hebrews 12:1b-2a NIV).

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Joanne 

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash