When we think of thanksgiving often Turkey  and dressing comes to mind, unless one is from new England when the word is stuffing, or in the Hispanic community when Tamales might take the place of turkey.  But the real root of Thanksgiving is more than what we have for dinner on Thursday (and I am very grateful that most of our family will be here Thursday and we have a 24 LB turkey in the freezer on hold).  When the pilgrims celebrated that first thanksgiving it was serious business.  More than half those early settlers in New England did not survive the Atlantic crossing on The Mayflower.  Then at that first winter another half, give or take, died of disease, cold, and starvation.  In their attempt to build the city of God in the new world the sacrifices were immeasurable.  It was a miracle than this handful of men and women and children could gather around a full table, enjoy a great meal, and mark (despite the hardships)  their thanksgiving to almighty God;  give thanks for what God had set before them, instead of as human nature often demands, list their sacrifices and hardship of the previous year.  They did not see the founding of this new colony as being built upon their own sacrifices or fortitude, but upon the providence of a faithful God,  they took no credit for their nerve and steadfastness, instead they gave the credit to a merciful God. Thanksgiving is about a providential, merciful God who loves us and we follow.  When we remember God’s faithfulness, trust God fully, and then respond with absolute thanksgiving, we have a more clear picture of the relationship between humankind and the creator.    Thanksgiving is about that relationship!  (I hope we all have great family and friendship times this next week, and in those times find moments to give thanks to a providential and merciful God)