I have great respect and admiration for both John Smith and Pocahontas, but the truth of the matter is, the people of the Jamestown Colony did not listen to either of them. They colony was run by God-less men who wanted nothing more than wealth and prestige and who failed to take council from anyone expressing common sense that went against these goals. The fact that it did not fail after the ridiculous loss of life that consumed so many of the people who immigrated there, my be considered by some to be a miracle. I don't believe that.
In contrast, the Puritans who migrated to Plymouth were seeking religious freedom. They set up a very forward-thinking government under the Mayflower Contract, and they had a sincere desire to follow God's will for them. Were they perfect? Not by a long shot. Did they do the best they could with the tools they had available to them? Absolutely - both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Squanto was sent to these people to help save them. Consider his life up to this point. I believe that he was prepared in much the same way Joseph of Egypt was prepared to save his people. God makes good things come from bad situations all of the time.
"Wherefore, take heed, my belove brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil....For every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God." (Moroni 7:14-15) We are subject to the trials and tribulations of earth life. It is never easy - not for anybody. When hard things happen to us, they can be blessings if they ultimately lead us to Christ. On the other hand, if our 'blessings' lead us to complacency and idleness, they are not good things in Christ. "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things..." (D&C 59:21)
At this important time of year and at this holiday, we have a time devoted to giving thanks. Let's make sure we "do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances...inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours," (D&C 59:15-16)
Share this holiday and this story with your children. There are a LOT of great Thanksgiving books; I have a lot of them. I would recommend that you read, "Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving" by Eric Metaxas. It will be a blessing to them to understand God's hand in our story.
Because I think this book is so fantastic, and because I want some feedback, if you leave a comment (on any post) between now and November 15, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of this book. It can then be shipped to you to arrive before Thanksgiving Day. :-) You will be entered once for each comment.
thank you again for wonderful recommendations
ReplyDeleteYea! Jenny wins! I am going to order it and hope it gets here before Thanksgiving! Thanks Jamie
ReplyDeleteYou are both very welcome and now we know how many people actually read my posts, although I still have fun writing them. If anything, I can journal what I've read and learnied with my kids. I wish I had a record of the last 25 years of reading on my own and with my family.
ReplyDelete