As of this writing, the most recent entry in my gratitude journal is #22,623. Imagine if I had started this kind of record keeping as a teen. If you had asked me then, I likely would have said “Oh, I remember to be grateful.” Now I know that writing and numbering blessings helps my memory. It is also humbling. God gives so much, day by day.
Canadian Thanksgiving is held on the second Monday of October. It was on January 31, 1957 that Canadian Parliament declared this a national holiday.
But it was in 1578 that British explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew gave thanks and observed communion either on ship or on the land of present day Nunavut. They were grateful for their safe journey across the ocean.
The explorers ate salt beef, biscuits, and mushy peas. In 1606, when Samuel de Champlain held huge feasts of thanksgiving, it was likely the local Mi’kmaq who introduced the settlers to cranberries. The French called them “petite pommes rouge” little red apples. The vitamin C in these berries may have helped prevent scurvy.
Years ago, I shared with my hairdresser the idea of a gratitude journal. She went out and bought a pack of three blank journals, one for herself and two to give away. Great idea!
