As the year gathers to a close, we gather with friends and family in Thanksgiving for all that is our life. Around these gatherings, we share games and jokes, sad stories and lively ones, remember those who have died in this past year, make space for those who have newly arrived. Some of us share poems or songs of gratitude, some particular moments of thankfulness, and still others times of silent reflection. Even those of us who might not say a blessing over other meals during the rest of the year often find it meaningful to pause from regular practice to offer a special blessing of giving thanks. However you celebrate, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, a holiday rich with gratitude and love, abundant with what matters most in the midst of a year of trial and scarcity for so many.
Thanksgiving Meditation
Every day we experience hunger and yearning:
for food, for approval, for respect, for love,
for meaningful work, for any and enough work,
for home, for family, for friends,
for health, for healing, for hope,
for the departed, for the newly arrived,
for the green trees, for the cool clean waters,
for shade in the heat of the day, and for stars to light the velvet night.
Every day we are invited anew to be thankful:
for food, for approval, for respect, for love,
for meaningful work, for any and enough work,
for home, for family, for friends,
for health, for healing, for hope,
for the departed, for the newly arrived,
for the green trees, for the cool clean waters,
for shade in the heat of the day, and for stars to light the velvet night.
Our hearts beating in liberating flight, we soar in gratitude for all the gifts we have in this day, in this lifetime of being, and turn again to share this bounty with all that is. Amen and Blessed Be.
