State of Grace

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because for one day, we can all agree that to be in a state of grace and gratitude transcends all races, creeds and beliefs.
We celebrate this day with our loved ones--family and friends, but also include those that have no family or place to go and break bread with.

We gather for a chance to be thankful for all that we have, to acknowledge our appreciation for each other and our good fortune, however big or small.
Which brings me to grace.
You know, grace before we devour all that turkey and trimmings!

 You see, I believe that grace isn't a little prayer you chant before a meal, but a way to live.
It just so happens that this year, I'm in charge of grace.
And I'm thinking a lot about it and how I want to say it.


Just as I'm cooking a meal that accommodates those who are vegetarian, gluten or lactose intolerant, I also am aware that my words should resonate with a common theme, however we believe--that of gratitude for all those at our table, be it Christian, Jewish, Humanist etc., I want to say something meaningful that we can all agree on.
This is my prayer:

"For what we are about to receive
let us be truly thankful
…to those who planted the crops
…to those who cultivated the fields
…to those who gathered the harvest.
For what we are about to receive
let us be truly thankful
to those who prepared it and those who served it.
In this festivity let us remember too
those who have no festivity
those who cannot share this plenty
those whose lives are more affected than our own
by war, oppression and exploitation
those who are hungry, sick and cold
In sharing in this meal
let us be truly thankful
for the good things we have
for the warm hospitality
and for this good company."

 May your Thanksgiving be absolutely wonderful, and may your day be filled with a state of grace and gratitude.