My childhood education was politically incorrect. Our teachers taught us a pseudo-historical story of the first Thanksgiving that went something like this:

• The Pilgrims left England in search of religious freedom.
• They crossed the Atlantic on the Mayflower, landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620.
• Their Indian friends (Native Americans and Indigenous People had not yet been invented) taught them to farm the land.
• Pilgrims and natives gathered in the fall for a Thanksgiving feast.
• They ate Butterball turkey, cornbread dressing, and canned cranberry sauce with imprinted ridges on the side.

And they all lived happily ever after. The End. Amen.

Looking back decades later, I realize my teachers omitted some critical facts:

• The English settlers claimed land that others possessed. 
• The Pilgrims established religious freedom for themselves but denied it to others.  
• Over half of the colony died during the harsh winter.
• The seed corn they planted that first spring was stolen from native farmers. 
• And the Thanksgiving meal did not feature a turkey with a popup timer.

Despite past tragedy and future uncertainty, the Pilgrims paused to give thanks. They recognized their present bounty and praised God.

Our forebears’ example instructs and inspires us today. We are a blessed people. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Recognize the gift, recognize the Giver, and give thanks.

Lord, may it be so. Amen.