Nearly 400 years ago, the Pilgrims landed in what would
become Massachusetts after 66 days of perilous sailing across the Atlantic.
Arriving 500 miles off course and later in the year than expected because of
severe storms, they found themselves already deep into the winter of 1620, making
planting any crops impossible and foraging for food only slightly more
feasible. Their already meager supplies dwindled quickly and, at one point,
daily rations were cut down to just five kernels of corn per person.
Nearly half of the 102 Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock perished
during that first winter, most due to starvation or complications resulting
from malnutrition. Yet, because of the grace of God and benevolent natives who
were willing to share with the settlers and teach them how to farm in the New World,
those who survived would later enjoy a bountiful harvest, leading to what we
have come to know as the first Thanksgiving.
While you probably have never experienced the desperation
and destitution those Pilgrims faced that first winter, I am sure there have
been periods in your life where you felt like you were down to “five kernels of
corn.” Maybe this was material impoverishment like the Pilgrims faced, or
perhaps it was emotional or spiritual starvation you faced. Whatever the case,
many of us have faced situations that had us feeling as if we were at the end of
our rope and possibly even hopeless, not sure how we would continue on.
This Thanksgiving, in between the football and pumpkin pie, take
a moment to consider five kernels of corn and the harsh “winters” in your life that
God has seen you through, giving thanks for the “harvest” of blessings in your
life. And, if by chance you are in one of those winters right now, I hope you can look
ahead and see signs of spring.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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