“In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.”
This is our heritage but does it still mean the same today? Are we grateful and thankful for our rich blessings, or are we consumed with the need to have more and not be content with what we have?
Our family has begun a new tradition of serving rather than receiving and thinking about our circumstances. We band together with others and serve a Thanksgiving meal on the night before at a special place that is helping the homeless have a pathway to return to a productive and successful life.
This place, called Partnership Village gives hope to those who want to follow guidelines and structure so they can become self sufficient and live out their potential, and then be able to give back to others.
It shows us “all things are possible with God” and that we are so rich compared to many right in our own neighborhoods, and we certainly live above the standards in most of the rest of the world.
In doing this, I have come to realize that the same principles apply in all areas of our lives. When we give back to others, it does bring contentment, and the blessing of that is so much more than any amount of money can bring.
Certainly we need income to be able to own and run our businesses, provide for our families, and help others: but the key is how we structure that so it is a blessing that we can be thankful for, and then want to give back to others.
This year “Simply” Sue Speaks! wants to wish you a special Thanksgiving realizing the true meaning, and going forward with a new hope in your heart, and we look forward to serving you with the “WOW” of life!