1. Trust in God’s provision—The Pilgrims cultivated a habit of gratefulness long before they sailed to America. Life’s events could not shake their love and thanksgiving to God. Their trust in His goodness, and His plan gave them peace and the strength to face any adversity. The Mayflower Compact stated, "For the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian Faith." In a recent Barna poll, 92% of people responded that they are "self-sufficient". Another survey showed that many Americans main purpose in life is personal fulfillment. Is it any surprise that we have in our culture such a tremendous sense of hopelessness and despair? We have the same choice as our pilgrim forefathers had, either depend on ourselves, or trust in God Almighty! Colonial Governor John Winthrop said, "For the Lord is our life and prosperity. A thankful heart sees each day through the lens of God’s providential care."

2. Fellowship of support—Galatians 6: 2. In view of the necessity of binding together, an essay titled, "A Christian Model Of Charity," was written calling on the colonists to "knit together in this work as one man, make one another’s condition our own, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together." In this way, the writer said, they would "keep the unity of the Spirit."

This bond of brotherhood was reflected in that first Thanksgiving feast when over 50 Pilgrims and 90 Indians joined together to thank God. There’s an old saying: "Shared joy is double joy, and shared sorrow half the sorrow." Even on occasions when we are hurting, we can find joy in doing something for others. Thankfulness is multiplied as we share in the love of Christ ! Relationships with God and others are the enduring reasons for always giving thanks !!