Somewhere in a closet upstairs there is an Indian and a Pilgrim outfit that my children donned during their middle school years. And how many of us have turkeys crafted from brown construction paper cut from the tracings of our toddler's hand? November is the time in our American tradition when we pause from our busy lives for the purpose of giving thanks. It all goes back to the Indians helping the Pilgrims and the celebration of a bountiful harvest. We know the story, we have our decorations, and we probably all take a few moments to reflect and give thanks as we celebrate with family and friends around a bountiful table.

Let's ponder for a moment, however, the importance of what the Indians did. The Pilgrims lost over half of their number during the first winter. We can only speculate on the impact on history had they not been taught how to grow corn and where to fish and hunt. What the Indians did was an expression of community. It was one human being extending a helping hand to another.

This Thanksgiving, let's strive to include community in our tradition. Whom can we invite to share around our table? Is there someone on your street or in your church who has experienced a loss this year that impacts their tradition? How can we, as true women of grace, demonstrate community by "loving our neighbors as ourselves"? May gratitude open our hearts to serve others this season. 

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