Every year, I find myself worrying about the upcoming holidays, trying to picture how each day will unfold. However, today, while researching SAVANNAH'S FIRST THANKSGIVING, I felt a sense of uplift.
The Georgia colonists arrived at the high bluff of the Savannah River on February 12, 1733. The following morning, they were visited by the Yamacraw tribe. Initially, the colonists were scared and grabbed their weapons. But James Oglethorpe calmed them, explaining that Tomo-Chi-Chi had promised to come and welcome them. After a few speeches, interpreted by Savannah’s own Mary Musgrove, Oglethorpe invited the visitors to stay for dinner. The colonial women worked hard to prepare a meal for everyone. Three hours later, they gave thanks, and they all sat down to eat.
As I read this story, I smiled and thought, “What do I really have to worry about?” While the first colonists were literally scared for their lives, my biggest worry is crazy Uncle Edwin—and he certainly isn’t life-threatening (anymore). And my dishes can’t be any worse than those of the colonial women (unless you’ve eaten one of my drop biscuits—ask my husband). Those ladies had to throw together a meal from whatever they had pulled off their ship the morning after arriving in a new country. No pressure, huh?
The whole point is sharing a meal. When you sit down and eat with others, you open yourself up to strengthening relationships. It doesn’t have to be perfect; what truly matters is who is sitting around your table and spending time with the ones you love.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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