What was it like?

 

What was it like to live in a land where you could not worship freely? 

What was it like to turn from everything you have known and leave? 

What was it like to sail a ship with strangers to a place that had rarely been seen?

What was it like to watch people you love die one after another from sickness?

 

And finally, would I be willing/able to do it?

Through my genealogy research I found out some years ago, that mine and Dad's families are blood line descendants of a few Plymouth Pilgrims.  The original Mayflower.  I know a lot of people don't take stock in their history, but this makes me very proud.  My ancestors were brave enough to do all I listed above.  Would I be?!?!

 

The above painting is actually my ancestor, John Howland.  Through their treacherous journey he was swept over board.  What would make them want to keep going and not just turn around and go back to the known?

 

I admire them so much, obviously if they had not made this journey I would not be here today.  But not only for that, they showed courage and Faith in God.  Trusting him that he would bring them safely through their journeys.  They struggled, but never doubted God would provide for them.  If anything, it made their faith stronger.

Thanksgiving is about giving God thanks for what He has blessed you with.  NOT which sale you can get to first, NOT which family member has done the other wrong, NOT football....
Thank you God for your bountiful blessings you have bestowed upon my family.