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Those of us born in Virginia recognize that in the spring of 1610; colonists in Jamestown, Virginia enjoyed a Thanksgiving service after English supply ships arrived with food. The colonial celebration has been considered the “first Thanksgiving” even though history books are filled with Plymouth Rock. In Virginia, ships landed at what is now called the Berkeley Plantation on Dec. 4, 1619, where settlers celebrated with prayer for their successful voyage from England. After three years, they were totally wiped out by the natives. God bless them!

Can you imagine leaving everything you have ever known to arrive in an uncultivated land without the convenience of a bathroom, a lawn mower, a cell phone, a television, and not even the postal service? These settlers were only equipped with the supplies they brought and gifted talents. They had to depend on God to supply their needs. They had no overstocked barges sitting out in the ocean waiting to be unloaded. They had what they had. We can be thankful!

So many times we forget what price was paid for us to be where we are today. I am a second generation American. I am thankful I had a mother that truly loved me. She did her best to instill a work ethic, teach me how to care for myself and for others. Through my life, teachers have helped me grow in my education. Amazingly, even today there are many, many people; through means of digital media that teach me to explore and learn new things. I am so very thankful I can continue to grow.

As a Christ Follower, I am even more thankful that God supplies all my needs. Everyone is so concerned about what they might not have in the stores that they forget whenever we have “need,” God will take care of us. The Word reminds us in Philippians 4:19, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” As the nation of Israel traveled in the wilderness, He provided for them so that their shoes did not wear out and they did not go hungry. When their food supply ran low, He gave them food. Not only does He supply our needs, but He also likes to spend time with us. He is not a distant God, and for that I am overwhelmingly thankful.

As you prepare your Thanksgiving plans, please know that you are loved by God. I ask Him to bless you richly and thank Him that I get to spend each week with you. Thanksgiving blessings to you and yours always!

Yvette Perrin is a columnist for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at theword2yvette@gmail.com.