Happy Thanksgiving To All!
There is something very interesting about Thanksgiving for me. On my mother’s side I have a Cherokee Indian heritage. On my father’s side I am a direct descendant of Fisher Ames, the famous author and statesman of the late 1700′s. Here in America, Thanksgiving was celebrated between the Pilgrims and Indians* in the 1600′s. One particular celebration occurred in 1621 the year after my father’s ancestors came over on the Mayflower in Plymouth where they had settled. It is amazing for me to think that 386 years ago my father’s ancestors sat at the table with Indians and shared a meal when a short time later they would be persecuting these misunderstood inhabitants of the land.
My mother’s ancestors and my father’s ancestors warred with each other hundreds of years ago an yet I sit here today with their blood flowing through my veins. I’ve never quite been able to grasp all the ramifications of this seeming endless line of cause and effect except to know that God’s plans are amazing. For the blood of two people groups to coexsist peacfully indside of me is a work that only God can do. Our God is a God of Peace and yet He will wage war against the devil. Our God is a God of love and yet He hates sin. Our God is a God of mercy yet He is just. Two opposites, coexisting with one another in perfect harmony.
I know most homes go around the table and share with their loved ones something they are thankful for… I think this year there are many things I am thankful for, most of which don’t need to be named here… but one thing that I will be thankful to God for is that He is a balanced and perfect God and has given me the heritage of two great people groups.
*According to my history book, the correct term is Amerindian…
i think that’s even lamer than “Native American”
Good words.