William Bradford, Plymouth governor, wrote the following, describing the Pilgrims’ arrival in the New World:
“Being thus arrived in good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth ….”

When the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620, they had left everything behind in their old country to come to the New World to start a new life. So it was on their first Thanksgiving in 1621, they thanked God for everything He had granted them here in their new home, things like food, shelter, clothing and things like family and friends. This Thanksgiving we, too, are thankful for these necessities of life, but we are also thankful for the blessings of “everything else.” Let’s take a moment to ponder what the “everything else” is we are thankful for.

I am thankful for everything that brings joy. The greatest joy I have is the joy of my salvation in Jesus Christ. I am thankful for everything that builds my faith. My brothers and sisters in Christ, prayer, Bible study, worship services --- are all provided by God to strengthen me in my faith.

I am thankful for everything that draws me closer to God. God’s forgiveness, mercy, love, and peace --- all draw me closer to God.

I pray that you will take some time this Thanksgiving holiday to uncover what is found within the “everything else” we are thankful for.

Let Us Pray:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen