From All About History:
The “first Thanksgiving,” however, was neither a feast nor a holiday, but a simple gathering. Following the Mayflower’s arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims suffered the lost of 46 of their original 102 colonists. With the help of 91 Indians, the remaining Pilgrims survived the bitter winter and yielded a bountiful harvest in 1621. In celebration, a traditional English harvest festival, lasting three days brought the Pilgrims and natives to unite in a “thanksgiving” observance.
This “thanksgiving” meal would not be celebrated again until June of 1676. On June 29 the community of Charlestown, Massachusetts proclaimed a day of thanksgiving for their good fortune. Ironically, this celebration excluded the Indians, as the colonists’ recognized their recent victory over the “heathen natives.” One hundred years later, in October of 1777, all 13 colonies participated in a one-time “thanksgiving” celebration which commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga. It would take a span of over 150 more years to establish Thanksgiving as we celebrate it -- George Washington proclaimed it a National holiday in 1789, Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November in 1863, and Congress sanctioned it as a legal holiday in 1941.
Now that the history lesson is over, I would like to focus on the "thanks living" part of this day. Why is it that most of us find it difficult to focus on all that we have for which to be thankful? I admit I must include myself in this. So many times, I find myself focusing on what is wrong with my life, what is lacking, why is the world acting in a fashion I find abhorrent?
Dennis Merritt Jones, one of my spiritual gurus, has written extensively about gratitude...conscious gratitude. I won't go into all that he has to share about this but will include a website where you may download his Gratitude Journal. It is http://www.dennismerrittjones.com/gratitude.php.
Maybe if more of us would focus on all that is Good in our personal lives and in our world, our experiences would change. I am not saying we overlook all that needs to be improved; however, what we focus on persists. That is a given. In this time of upheaval maybe it is just the universe stirring that ole pot, bringing all the gunk up to the surface so it can be cleaned up.
Personally, I have so very much for which to be grateful: my daughter Ulya, my furr baby Rasha, my two feather friends Lucy and Ethel, a positive working environment with great people, friends near and far and so much more. I would be remiss if I did not include some people and organizations who do so much for so many who do not have a voice: rescue organizations and people who welcome a rescued animal into their homes.
Here are just a few of my favorites:
Shannon Foundation Non-Profit Retirement Farm - a sanctuary for hard-to-place furry & feathered friends.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis - a place where rescued, abused animals realize they have a second chance on a good life. Rasha came to us through this organization.
Randy's Rescue Ranch - Randy Grim's dream becomes a reality in O'Fallon, Illinois
and last but not least
Champ and his Champions - a dog left for dead who not only survived but is a living example of what being thankful can do for others. Champ, his humans and the Champions have raised more money in a short period of time than is believable.
I am so grateful for these organizations, the people who work with them, the people who welcome a rescued animal into their homes.
I close this entry with a heart-felt wish that this Thanksgiving is one of many blessings and the beginning of a thanks living year.
Peace and blessings,
Mareda
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