I’m reading Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick and wrote the following devotional based off what I’ve learned in the book. Enjoy!
The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621. The Pilgrims didn’t call it “Thanksgiving” at the time, but because the purpose of their feast was to thank God for His blessings, it was later given that name.
What makes this so striking is the context. Of the roughly 100 people who arrived on the Mayflower, half died within the first year. They faced disease, starvation, brutal weather, and overwhelming loss. Yet when harvest time came, they didn’t hold a feast of mourning—they held a feast of thanksgiving.
They thanked God that some had survived. They thanked God for sending Squanto, who taught them how to plant, fish, and live in a strange land. They thanked God that, through Squanto, they were able to build peaceful relationships and trade with neighboring tribes. They thanked God for every mercy they could see.
This teaches us something essential: In life, good things and hard things happen at the same time. Gratitude is not pretending everything is perfect—it’s choosing to focus on God’s goodness in the middle of everything that isn’t.
The Pilgrims’ example reminds us that joy doesn’t come from circumstances. It comes from choosing to notice God’s kindness and giving Him thanks.
This is no doubt why we are instructed in scripture “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
Happy Thanksgiving!!!