29Nov 09
Thanksgiving: A Time for….?
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This past week, our nation celebrated the Thanksgiving. Our 
family found great joy in this precious time of yes, gathering with dear family, but more importantly as a time for giving our thanks to Divine Providence – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During the Thanksgiving meal, Grandma had two glass bowls situated on the table. On each plate were 5 kernels of corn (popcorn kernels) in commemoration of the hardship of the Pilgrims in 1620. After hearing the poem, “Five Kernels of Corn by Hezekiah 
Butterworth,” we were told to drop a kernel of corn into the glass bowls throughout the meal when we recalled something to be grateful for. And so it was that during our joyous conversations around the abundant dinner table, a little ‘ping’ here and there were heard thus providing a divine opportunity to turn our attention heavenward unto the giver of all good things.
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On the Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving, our President proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving but for what purpose? President Obama says it is set aside, “to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own and to share our bounty with others.”
Former President George Bush proclaimed the 2008 Thanksgiving Celebration to be a time to, “give thanks to God who blessed our Nation’s first days and who blesses us today. May He continue to guide and watch over our families and our country always.”
President George Washington gave the first Thanksgiving proclamation in the fall of 1789. He unashamedly declared that, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” President Washington went on to give the two purposes for this day:
1. Be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation “
2. Unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions
(read the entire proclamation in December’s Facts for Patriots)
What an impacting focus for this most significant holiday!
The table is decorated beatifully! I really like the kernal of corn idea. Might try to incorperate that idea next year.
I really liked the corn idea, too! What a great way to emphasize the giving of thanks to our Heavenly Father!
I really enjoyed our time being together with family again. We need to have those times more often. The kernel of corn idea really made the Thanksgiving dinner special. Thankyou Grandma and Grandpa!
Sarah, I agree – It was so encouraging to be with the Gainers, Grandpa, & Grandma. I especially enjoyed watching the energy and enthusiasm you, Daniel, James, and Kayla had with washing all those dishes. I know Grandma was extremely blessed by your all’s joy and attention to detail. I am looking forward to Christmas!