Five Kernels of Corn

For many people, this may not feel like an appropriate time to celebrate Thanksgiving. But life will always be filled with difficulties, tragedies, pressures and conflicts. If we’re waiting for the appropriate time, it may never come. We can learn a great deal in this regard from the Pilgrims. For the “first thanksgiving” in 1621 wasn’t exactly appropriate for them, either. Their history is like a storybook in that it serves to point us back to Scripture, as if to say, “If you want to know what it means to walk by faith and to be thankful, even during difficult times, then examine our history in the light of the Bible and learn from us!”  This is what we will do on this Sunday before Thanksgiving.

• Who were the Pilgrims? They were young, diverse (only 41 were coming for religious reasons), and Christians. Governor William Bradford placed 5 kernels of corn on each plate in order to remind the people of their losses the previous winter and of their shortage of food when, at times, each person only received five kernels of corn to eat.

• For what do we express thanks? If each kernel represented an area of life for which to give thanks, what might the areas be? Suggestions:

  • Physical blessings.
  • Family and friends.
  • Care in difficulties.
  • Salvation.
  • Daily strength.

Takeaway: Invite people to use this Thanksgiving as an opportunity to express gratitude to God.