Saturday, November 19, 2011

The Pause Before the Meal: A Thanksgiving Blessing

When I was a little girl, my grandfather offered a blessing before each meal. it was always the same and there was a deep devotion in his words:


"Dear lord, for what we are about to receive may we be deeply grateful. bless this food to our bodies and our bodies to thy service"

My grandfather's words were simple, but said it all.  So perfect was the sentiment that 30 years since he passed, I still remember and hold it in my heart.  The power of offering a simple blessing before you partake of any meal creates space to take in the beauty and bounty before you; to remember all who took part in it's arriving before you, and to acknowledge that it will become you and give you the energy to offer yourself into the world.

Though I truly think there is no greater pre-meal grace than the one my grandfather offered, this year, I would like to offer to you my own blessing for your Thanksgiving meal . . .

Thanksgiving Grace



May we take this moment of pause to remember the deep connections that gather us around this table of abundance.

On this Thanksgiving Day, as we enjoy this meal, may we take a moment to gaze into each other's eyes and see the sparkle of the Eternal.

 
As we raise our glasses, may we drink in the beauty of the diversity in which the Eternal offers Itself.

May we fill ourselves with gratitude for all of those who have loved us and challenged us during this year.

May we bow in deep appreciation for the love offered in the form of this food and having been fed with such love, may we make our offerings into the world in service of the Highest.