A Thanksgiving Setting

One of the most idyllic Thanksgiving settings is Cades Cove in eastern Tennessee. It might have been a harsh place to spend the winter, but the natural beauty of the place also sends my spirit soaring. The majestic mountains, the lush valley, and the flowing mountain stream, all work together to lift me up. Even the winding mountain paths that likely follow old Cherokee hunting trails feel like home. I think I was born with a mountaineer's heart.

Man-made structures also speak of home. The cabins tell of an earlier time, when home and family mattered more than anything else, except God. Where neighbors helped each other, because they knew what a sense of community was, and it would be hard to survive otherwise. It was where a person gave thanks for what they had, no matter how meager, and a visitor was always welcome to share, no matter how little they had.

The churches tell of the Creator, who was easy to see in these hills. They taught the importance of loving, sharing, and caring. More than one church stood in the small community, but they needed to be in easy walking distance. Faith might be a private thing to these people, but it was good to come together and learn how to serve God better and to give thanks.

____________________________________