Detoured through the Netherlands
Many of you are aware of a significant event that occurred for a group of separatists better than 400 years ago. Alright maybe you are not so clear on the nuance of the history but you are aware of the consequence of their decision.
It all started with a desire to get out from under the oppression of the local governing body in Europe. From the Separatists point of view, the governing body was in error and their rules and practices were contrary to their convictions. The separatists’ point of view was so strong that as a group, they decided that the best choice was to pool their resources and abandon their community! They decided that the best option was to travel to a new land far from where they called home. There was little known about this land or the people that inhabited it.
As was common in their time, their travel was heavily influenced by the seasons. When they set off, all was going well for a brief amount of time. Unfortunately, their chartered transportation broke down putting their lives in jeopardy. As a result, they diverted themselves to a closer nation – The Netherlands. In the Netherlands, they managed to escape the oppression they experienced in their home country. After a few short years; however, they were once again in conflict with the local community. Yet again they decided to pool their resources to travel to the new and unknown land.
After paying an investment company a great sum of money for the trip – all they had – their hope was once again renewed for the journey. Before the travel window closed, the investment company pressed the travelers for more money or accept additional travelers to their group who rest assured did not share their beliefs. After significant debate within the community, they relented and began the monthslong journey with winter rapidly approaching.
Along the way, a significant amount of people perished. When they arrived, ice and snow made the journey ashore perilous – again several perished. Living in roughly constructed home in the middle of the winter was also fraught with risk. With a lack of food, lack of warmth, lack proper hygiene, many more perished. Then spring came!!!
In the spring, these travelers – rather those who remained – built better homes and common spaces. With the assistance of the locals, whom these travelers stole food from during the winter, and a local translator with a storied background, they planted crops for themselves and to repay what they stole from the natives. They also learned how to hunt and fish to provide essential nutrients and vitamins to stave off disease. At the end of the fall season, they had a bountiful celebration amongst themselves and the locals. They gave thanks for their journey and for the harvest that in their minds could have only been made possible by Providence. On Thursday, November 26th, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation for “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer”.
Questions to Ponder:
All of us experience trials throughout our lives. What is one trial that you have been able to persevere through? How has it made you stronger?
What are you willing to surrender to benefit your greater good?
What are you willing to surrender to the benefit of those closest to you?
What blessings have you experienced over the past year that indeed warrants “thanksgiving and prayer”?
To the blessings of found from gratitude for ALL of our circumstances.