In 1620, 120 people boarded two ships, the Mayflower and the Speedwell, for the "New World". After 64 days of a difficult journey the Mayflower was to be the only ship to reach the "New World" and the number of people had been greatly reduced. They arrived in poor health and too late to plant and harvest a crop. Despite facing many difficulties, they learned a very important lesson which has become a heritage to many of us today - Thanksgiving.
By the end of that winter only a quarter of their number remained. Their shelter had not been enough to protect them from the harsh weather conditions and a number of times they had suffered attacks from the natives of the land. It was at the end of this dark, cold winter that the few colonists that
remained met to review their circumstances, which looked very grim. One of them took a leadership role and encouraged the rest by saying, "Yes, things are bad. We can hang our heads and say, 'Oh woe for us', or we can have the attitude that we made a decision, we are here. Let's look for some good things and let's make the best of what we have. Let's be thankful, let's be joyful and let's make this grand adventure work."
They agreed and came up with a list of things they could be grateful for. Instead of focusing on the negative these Pilgrim Fathers learned it was all about attitude. They celebrated, with a feast each year after the fall harvest, to be thankful and to focus on the positives.
Perhaps this is a lesson for all of us. Focus on the positive; set goals and give thanks no matter what circumstances we face. Instead of grumbling and complaining we should be thankful for those blessings that we do have.
Make your Thanksgiving a celebration of life's grand adventure!