The Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock over 300 years ago knew nothing of the affluent times which you and I enjoy today in this great country of ours. During that first long winter at Plymouth Colony, seven times as many graves were made for the dead as homes for the living.

The Pilgrims didn’t have much, in fact the ship which was to bring food and relief brought 35 more mouths to feed, but not an ounce of provisions. no food.

The Pilgrims didn’t have much, but they possessed a great gratitude and it was upon this very gratitude that America was built. For years following that first winter they had a custom of putting 5 kernels of corn on each empty plate before a dinner of “thanksgiving” was served.

Each member of the family would pick up a kernel and tell one thing they were thankful for. It was to remind them that the first Pilgrims were in such dire straits that their food allowance was only 5 kernels of corn per person each day. Can you imagine living through the harsh winter conditions with only five kernels of corn to eat each day?

We have many reasons to be thankful today. Let’s take 5 kernels of corn and using Psalm 103:1-5 look at 5 kernels of blessing from God.

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

1, The kernel of forgiveness. – “Praise the lord, O my soul, who forgives all your sins.” (v 3a)

2, The kernel of redemption – “Praise the lord, O my soul, who redeems you from the pit.” (v 4a)

3, The kernel of healing – “Praise the Lord, O my soul, who heals all your diseases.” (v 3b) All healing comes from God and He has power over all diseases.

4, The kernel of love and compassion – “Praise the Lord, O my soul, who crowns you with love and compassion.” (v 4b)

5, The kernel of satisfaction and renewal – “Praise the Lord, O my soul, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (v 5)

We have much more to be grateful for than those early pilgrim settlers. May our sense of gratitude this Thanksgiving season be fully upon the God Almighty as was theirs. And why not place five kernels of corn on each plate and start your own thanksgiving tradition.

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.