A Lifetime of Thanksgiving – 400 years?
This is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving. Did you know that 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving meal between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Tribe? We often celebrate the coming together of two worlds that couldn’t be more different by feasting on our favorite comfort foods, all a little different in different regions of North America. We count our blessings, and list things we are thankful for. We teach our children, at least for a day, to be thankful for what they have.
But what if? What if we spent every day looking at those blessings? And living a life that demonstrates appreciation for the many wonderful things in our lives, instead of constantly wanting more, more, more? A former Sunday School teacher and youth leader of mine has shared 2568 days of her Lifetime of Thanksgiving. Seeing her posts come across my feed so frequently inspired me to do the same. I’m terrible about being consistent with it…but, getting better. I tend to go in spurts! So far, I’m on Day 142. I post most of these on Instagram, some on my personal Facebook timeline, and some on other platforms. I have it easiest to be consistent with them on Instagram. You can flip through most of them in my story highlights HERE, labeled #aLot, if you’re interested.
In the first few months that I reflected on these posts, I was able to change the way I see my day – I stopped finding things to be frustrated by, and began focusing on blessings…even the hidden ones. Some days, they are silly, some days serious, and some days just random things that make me smile. Yesterday was rough day. And, so it was the blessing of my daughter finding so much joy in her life, and being such a bright light in mine. You’ll see her pop up as a regular theme in these posts. I truly believe God knew exactly what He was doing when he formed her in my womb. He just knows. As she grows up, I see the future her off on so many adventures and taking in as much as she possibly can…because she just LOVES LIFE. And I can’t wait to watch her story continue to unfold.
I hope that this journey of mine inspires you to look at the bright side…find the positive…and create an attitude of ‘no stinkin’ thinkin’ for you. It has certainly done for me!
Back to Thanksgiving! There is so much to the story of the America’s being ‘discovered’ that we don’t know, and that we may never know. Being of a certain age, a very pretty picture was painted for me. But, I think we all know now that the picture is not as pretty as we like to make it out. It’s important that we learn that history, in honor of our country, continent and heritage, as well as to honor of those that were forced to give up so much so that this great land could be settled by European immigrants. I came across this site that tells much of the history of the Wampanoag Tribe. I hope that you’ll take some time to check it out! It has articles, short videos, and educational resources for you. If you’re a homeschool parent, or doing virtual or hybrid learning this year, I hope that you’ll take a look at this and let me know if you’ll be adding it to your curriculum! If your student attends traditional school, whatever that is anymore, will you be sharing it with your family as a supplement? If you’re an educator, is this something you can add to your curriculum?
Out of this year that is not to be named…it is my prayer that we all learn to come together and hear each other’s voices, without judgement, without condemnation, with honesty, and with kindness, and with authenticity. It starts with education.
If you like tours, and can travel to the area, there’s an official tour!
Official Tour
I have registered for the free virtual conference, Here It Began: 2020 Hindsight or Foresight . Maybe you’ll join me? I’d love to have some discussion about this topic this month!
If anyone from the Plymouth 400, Inc and the Four-Nation Commemoration finds this post, I thank you for your efforts on this conference, the information you have provided to the public, and look forward to learning from you!
So, today, day #143 of my Lifetime of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for such vast and rich resources being available to us all!
Much Love to you and yours!
Cindi
Self proclaimed Godmother of the Messy Bun Mafia.
