A Different View

WRITTEN BY KIRK ALBRECHT

It had been a hard year. Men, women and children hadperished. Conditions were harsh. There was little to see thatwould give you much hope.

This was not 2020 – it was 1621, the date most historians giveas the first “Thanksgiving” celebrated by American pilgrims.

Records indicate about 90 Native Americans and 53 pilgrimsgathered together to welcome the colonists’ first harvest inthe New World (aided greatly by the indigenous tribes).

Celebration in the midst of hardship. Thanks in the midst of suffering. God’s people have always turned to him when life turns dark. When we can see little to give us joy, we look to the Unseen as the source of joy. Thanks for the intangible when the tangible is meager.

2020 has been a rough year for many of us. Some have lost loved ones. Some have lost jobs. Some are struggling with education. Medical personnel have been under intense stress for months. Maybe you have tasted some of those challenges this year. Maybe you don’t feel thankful because, frankly, the cup looks half empty.

I would suggest to us all that now is the time to lean into thanksgiving with greater heart and deeper soul. Even in the darkness, the Light shines with irreducible clarity and power. Jesus our Savior radiates hope no matter the circumstances, because the cross and the empty tomb are constant reminders that he has overcome, that his death has paid our debt, that his resurrection has brought new life. In a time of “what is happening?”, our “Hallelujah!” rings out with unfettered joy.

Enjoy the turkey and stuffing and gravy and pies. Enjoy time with family or friends. Enjoy most of all the salvation we share so freely by God’s grace –and give thanks.