The observance of a harvest festival as a time of thanksgiving has roots that go back to the Middle East. The Jewish people celebrated two harvest festivals, one in spring and one in fall.

While other countries also observe a day or season of thanksgiving, we in the United States trace our observance to the Pilgrims. One hundred and two people, forty-one "Saints" and sixty-one "Strangers," set sail on the Mayflower. They landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts on December 11, 1620.

Thanksgiving Day was observed sporadically after the early Pilgrim observance. Some Presidents honored it. Others condemned the idea. Sarah Hale, editor of Godey's Lady's Book, used her editorials to push for an annual observance.

How often have we postponed writing a thank you note? Sometimes we procrastinate until it no longer seems feasible to send the letter. Paul can teach us some lessons about gratitude. The whole letter to the Philippians is full of love, joy, and thankfulness.

In the early years of the Plymouth Colony, there were occasions when food was rationed. At one time the ration was five kernels of corn a day per person. Not wanting their children to forget the hardships of that time, and the endurance learned from the experience, the Pilgrims established a Thanksgiving custom. Five grains of corn were placed next to every dinner plate as a reminder. Each person was asked to list five reasons for thanksgiving.

At a church gathering of twenty young people, refreshments were served. One or two of the group said ‘thank you.’ The rest went away, apparently taking for granted the gift that was given them. The host couple was disappointed.