We all have many reasons to give thanks .

 THANKSGIVING, THE BEST HOLIDAY

HAS REAL MEANING FOR US ALL

While we are constantly bombarded by the injustice and the bizarre happenings of the modern world, Thanksgiving should be a respite to much of this. It is a time for giving thanks for what is right and good and hopefully will give us all an opportunity to view what is really important in life.

Family, one of the most important things in this life, it is usually only family that we can truly rely on when difficult times arrive. People without family start life with a distinct disadvantage that many never overcome. We should all be thankful if we have been blessed with a sound and intact family. Thanksgiving is indeed a time of family celebration.

We all know that thanksgiving is traced back to the early settlers, " the separatists" and later called the pilgrims.  After a 66 day journey they arrived in present Massachusetts on Nov 6, 1620. More prudent planning would have planned an arrival in spring rather than late autumn. I expect they were likely without the ability to do everything as planned.

Of the original 102 arrivals, by spring of 1621 only 47 survived. Weakened by 66 days on a 90 ft ship, they were sick, malnourished and without shelter or adequate supplies. They faced the task of building shelter and providing for the upcoming winter. They had disputes with the local tribes and also made some friends, it must of been a period of a very uncertain future. It is reported that at times there were only 6 or 7 healthy enough to tend to the others.

While it was a horrendous winter it was a true lesson in planning for the next winter. They made friends with some of the  locals and eventually were truly able to be thankful by the end of the next harvest time.

It is likely none of us have anywhere near this kind of an experience. We actually have many things to be thankful for, everyday. 

The two most important things in life is having enough food and keeping warm in winter. Something that I expect all too many take for granted. Without the basic necessities of life, everything else quickly loses its importance.

Today, we are all going to be warm and well fed, be thankful, rejoice and appreciate these simple but all important necessities of life.