Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
So went the words of the table grace we said each Thanksgiving in the home of my childhood. It was the job of the youngest able to offer it. I can remember how anxious I was the first year it was my turn. Heads bowed, the table overloaded with food, the few words my mother taught me seemed so full of import. For a mere 30 seconds, we paused to give thanks.
The gratitude, though, had been in the making all along. The cooks were up before dawn to cook the turkey and set the table. The day before would have been a prep day with apples to peel, pie crusts to make, silver to polish.
For many of us, Thanksgiving is filled with memories of beloved relatives now passed or absent. I find my mother with me as I peel an apple. As a child, I was amazed at how quickly she could fill a pie. My dad and brothers come into the room as the football game is turned on. My sisters are with me as I pull out the good serving spoons and dishes. I'm taking those spoons and dishes with me this year to my daughter's house on Thanksgiving morning. It's her turn to be the host. It's time for new memories to be made and traditions begun.
As you prepare for Thanksgiving, may you be filled with a sense of gratitude for the gifts life has brought you thus far, and may you be open to new traditions. For some it may be a simple meal while for others it may mean a journey to a new place. Wherever you find yourself, may your day be filled with gratitude.
I have a closing grace to offer you. It's one that works especially well with young people. But I have to admit I enjoyed singing it with our youth at the recent confirmation retreat. First, see if you can call up the Superman theme song. You need that tune. The words and actions are below.
Thank you Lord, for giving us food
(actions: raise right arm overhead as Superman flying)
Thank you Lord, for giving us food
(actions: raise left arm flying)
For the food that we eat
(actions: standing with both arms over head, to the left)
For the friends that we meet
(actions: standing with both arms over head, to the right)
Thank you Lord, for giving us food!
(actions: move both hands in fists to hips and stand strong like Superman)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Beth
So went the words of the table grace we said each Thanksgiving in the home of my childhood. It was the job of the youngest able to offer it. I can remember how anxious I was the first year it was my turn. Heads bowed, the table overloaded with food, the few words my mother taught me seemed so full of import. For a mere 30 seconds, we paused to give thanks.
The gratitude, though, had been in the making all along. The cooks were up before dawn to cook the turkey and set the table. The day before would have been a prep day with apples to peel, pie crusts to make, silver to polish.
For many of us, Thanksgiving is filled with memories of beloved relatives now passed or absent. I find my mother with me as I peel an apple. As a child, I was amazed at how quickly she could fill a pie. My dad and brothers come into the room as the football game is turned on. My sisters are with me as I pull out the good serving spoons and dishes. I'm taking those spoons and dishes with me this year to my daughter's house on Thanksgiving morning. It's her turn to be the host. It's time for new memories to be made and traditions begun.
As you prepare for Thanksgiving, may you be filled with a sense of gratitude for the gifts life has brought you thus far, and may you be open to new traditions. For some it may be a simple meal while for others it may mean a journey to a new place. Wherever you find yourself, may your day be filled with gratitude.
I have a closing grace to offer you. It's one that works especially well with young people. But I have to admit I enjoyed singing it with our youth at the recent confirmation retreat. First, see if you can call up the Superman theme song. You need that tune. The words and actions are below.
Thank you Lord, for giving us food
(actions: raise right arm overhead as Superman flying)
Thank you Lord, for giving us food
(actions: raise left arm flying)
For the food that we eat
(actions: standing with both arms over head, to the left)
For the friends that we meet
(actions: standing with both arms over head, to the right)
Thank you Lord, for giving us food!
(actions: move both hands in fists to hips and stand strong like Superman)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Beth
RSS Feed
