FIVE KERNELS OF CORN

 A popular theme of both the Old Testament and the New Testament is THANKSGIVING. 

In Psalm 103 David gives us a list of some of the things he was thankful for. That list is quite extensive; we should read it occasionally. What might you be thankful for?  Have you ever considered making a list of the things you are thankful for as did David? How long would that list be?  My Bible tells me that an “attitude of gratitude” is something I should express each day of the year and not limit it to Thanksgiving Day. Sadly, our society is moving away from gratefulness and slipping into an attitude of entitlement. That’s the trouble with receiving something on a regular basis; we eventually come to expect it, even feeling that we deserve it.  We have been blessed to live in a land of plenty and as a result, we have become complacent and often are completely unwilling to give thanks to anyone for anything. The Bible tells us; “Giving thanks always for all things unto God our Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)  Another verse tells us; “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” (Psalm 92:1) When God’s Word says something is ‘good,’ it IS a good thing to do!

 
In November of 1620 the Mayflower arrived off the coast of New England with 102 Pilgrims who had left England in search of religious freedom. During the first long hard winter, half of these godly people who had risked the arduous trip across the wild Atlantic Ocean died. At one point during that winter when they were clinging to life itself, Governor William Bradford wrote in his journal; “William Brewster, rising from a scanty Plymouth dinner that consisted of a plate of clams and a glass of cold water, offered thanks to God for the abundance of the sea and the treasures hid in the sand.” His reference was to the tide that had washed ashore hundred of clams, which were hurriedly collected and prepared for the meal. The Pilgrims did not have much, but they possessed a great gratitude to God. It was also noted that at one point during that first hard winter, their daily ration of food included five kernels of corn per day per person. One year later, in the fall of 1621 after an abundant harvest; not wanting to forget how God had delivered them from their want, the Pilgrims developed a tradition that was carried on for many years, and in some parts of our country is still observed. Five kernels of corn were placed beside each plate to remind them of the dire straits they had experienced during the previous winter. As we celebrate Thanksgiving 2020, we are challenged with a pandemic. But even facing this, we will have much more to eat than clams and cold water. Perhaps it would be good to place five kernels of corn beside each plate; reminding us again of the real story of Thanksgiving.