Well, another year is almost over and we have the opportunity to look back and reflect. We can indulge in wonderful, homemade foods and the company of the people we love. I hope each of you and all the people in your lives has a lovely, joyous Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.
Giving Thanks
When you get ready to eat dinner, if someone asks you to give thanks, don’t be shy. It’s not as hard to do as you think. Just think of all your blessings and thank your Higher Power for them. Or, if you prefer to keep it short and sweet, you might want to say something like this: “We give thanks for all we have been blessed with, and ask the same for those who don’t have as much.”
I have somewhat adopted this as my way of giving thanks, so I thought I’d share it. I’m not saying that you need to do it just like I do. A friend of mine, someone who had never really cared much for faith or religion was once asked to give thanks. At first, she was upset, nervous, and had no idea what to say. She didn’t like being put on the spot, but instead of getting angry, she looked into her heart.
Her simple statement, was for me very profound. Each of us is blessed with so much, and even when we don’t get everything we want, we usually have what we need. There are others, throughout the world and even here in the richest country on the planet, that aren’t so fortunate. Those words have always stuck with me.
Not Giving Thanks
If you are going to eat at someone else’s home and they don’t say grace, you can always ask if they will let you say a short prayer. It’s better to pull the host aside and ask in advance then to wait until everybody is ready to start to eating, as this may prove awkward. If you don’t want to ask, simply take a quiet moment for yourself to reflect and give thanks.
Have a great holiday.
Related: Blending Holiday Traditions