Thanksgiving Day-5 kernels of corn

The Pilgrim fathers who landed at Plymouth Rock over 300 years ago knew nothing of the affluent times which you and I enjoy in the this great country of ours.

The next time you and I are tempted to complain about inflation and the state our our economy, remember the following:

During that first long winter at Plymouth Colony, seven times as many graves were made for the dead as homes for the living.

The ship which was to bring food and relief brought 35 more mouths to feed, but not an ounce of provisions.

Touching indeed is the picture of William Brewster, rising from a scanty Plymouth dinner, consisting of a plate of clams and a glass of cold water, to thank God "for the abundance of the sea and the treasures hid in the sand."

The Pilgrims didn't have much, but they possessed a great gratitude and it was upon this very thing that America was built.  These stalwart people, strong, devout and sincere were the timbers upon which our nation was founded.

They had a custom of putting 5 kernels of corn upon each empty plate before a dinner of "thanksgiving" was served.  Each member of the family would pick up a kernel and tell what they were thankful for.  It was to remind them that the first Pilgrims were in such dire straights that their allowance was only 5 kernels of corn per person each day.

We have many reasons to be thankful. 

At Thanksgiving our family places 5 kernels of corn on each plate. Brant reads Psalm 103:1-5 as a basis, and then we think of 5 things to praise God for.

 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.  He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;  as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
                                                                      Psalm 103:1-13

Happy Thanksgiving!