Five Kernels of Corn
by Candice Watters on 11/22/2007 at 10:02 AM
It's easy in our culture to lose sight of what we're remembering -- what we're celebrating -- on Thanksgiving.
In the midst of garish glitter and premature pictures of Santa; of circular charges to "give thanks for thanksgiving," for a day off, for too much food, for friendships, for new toys and stylish clothes and beautiful homes and fancy cars and strong bodies, it's easy to forget. The Light and the Glory for Children says,
During the winter of 1621-22, the Pilgrims entered a "starving time" like the settlers in Jamestown. Plymouth now had thirty-five extra people so the supplies went quickly. They were down to a daily ration of only five kernels of corn apiece. But, as always, they had a choice. They could either give in to bitterness and despair, or they could trust Jesus. They chose Jesus.
The people who came to America before any of this country's bounty was known or even imagined, sacrificed everything -- to the point of death. And then they fasted. Repeatedly they turned to God with fasting and prayer, even as they faced starvation, to seek His guidance and provision.
He was their source and they knew it. And when God sent help -- the Indians -- they recognized the rescue for what it was: God's answer to their prayers. I'm humbled and sobered by their example.
Today isn't a day for generic thanks for unparalleled wealth. It's a day for humility and gratitude to God. He is still our source.
Colossians 1:16-18 exalts Him saying,
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Oh, that we would never forget. Lord, grant us a heart of gratitude.
1. Jo said the following at 10:33 AM on Nov 22:
1
This morning on the radio (here in England), the DJ commented that he really likes the idea of Thanksgiving, because "it's not based on anything religious, it's just giving thanks for what you've got". I was like, "And who do you think they're giving thanks TO?!" I like the idea of Thanksgiving too, but not for the same reason. Happy Thanksgiving, American folks. :)
2. Tami said the following at 12:36 PM on Nov 22:
2
Wow, that's a very powerful, illustrative reminder that God has much greater resources than what we see, in the moment, with our natural eyes. Knowing this, we can remember to be thankful in all circumstances.
Thank you for sharing, and happy thanksgiving.
3. Rachel said the following at 11:43 PM on Nov 22:
3
One year my mom put five kernels of corn around each person's glass, and asked us to think of five things we were thankful for. She must have gotten the idea from the pilgrims! She knows a lot of their history.
4. Jesse said the following at 6:53 PM on Nov 25:
4
It's been a tradition in our family for as long as I can remember to share the things for which we are thankful as we drop our kernels into the vase. This year, my cousin Chad pointed out that most of the kernels in the vase probably represented a thankful heart for our family. So, he put one in thanking God for His continued blessings over the years: for the unseen hand that has kept us both healthy and together through many years. It was very touching.
If your family's never done this, you should definitely start something like it. You'll be thankful you did years from now.
Blessings!