After sailing across the sea, Nephi and his family landed on the shores of America and began a new life. The Lord commanded Nephi to keep two records on metal plates: on the first he recorded secular information about his people and the details of their wars and kings, etc.; Nephi used the second for "the more part of the ministry" which included the spiritual things and prophecies of Christ (1 Nephi 9:2-4).
On this second record, Nephi quoted many words of Isaiah and likened them to his people (see 1 Nephi 11:1). Among these words I point out one verse that has particular meaning to this day of Thanksgiving.
For the Lord shall comfort Zion, he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody. 2 Nephi 8:3
The day will come when Jesus Christ will return and bring a time of peace to this world. We will be thankful and raise our voices in His praise. Though the time is not yet here, we can still be thankful and rejoice because He has not abandoned us. The Lord will comfort each and every one of us and make the best of our lives. I know joy and gladness can be found in my every day – if I will turn to the Lord and live with a heart of thanksgiving.
