[Dialogue] THANKS GIVING

[Nancy Lanphear]

Dear David,
Thanks so very much for sharing the UNCONVENTIONAL NON_SECTARIAN TABLE
GRACE.  Even though for our community it could become a tradition.  It is
so like what we have done with a bit of a wonderful twist.

Here at Songaia we have about 65+around several tables on Thanksgiving day.
Family and friends gather with us for a dialogue, Iroquois Thanksgiving
Address (as Jann describes), history of our community with old timers
present, songs, songs and more songs before the feast, gathering around the
serving table for a more specific blessing, then the FEAST!  It is a pot
luck meal so the food is an amazing assortment of incredible vegan,
vegetarian, omnivorian, salt free, gluten free, you name it ... we have it
on our table!  To top that off, there is newly pressed Songaia cider and
wine.

Again, thanks for sharing the "questions" or context for a memorable
conversation.  For the past couple of years we have had people talk around
their table and then offer some of the responses for the whole group.  We
did it this way because the list of things folks were thankful for were so
long, not wanting to leave anyone out of their "I am thankful for ....".

May the earth community live from their hearts,
May the earth community be free from suffering
May the earth community be healed,
May the earth community live in peace.

With love,

Nancy



On Wed, Nov 21, 2012 at 9:19 AM, David Zahrt <4deezee at gmail.com> wrote:

> *UNCONVENTIONAL NON-SECTARIAN TABLE GRACE*
>
>
>
> When we had guests at the B&B, back in Iowa, I used to introduce an
> unconventional non-sectarian table grace without asking.
>
>
>
> After giving it there were several times that Fundamentalists said,
> “Alright, now let’s say a prayer!” I finally realized that I needed to ask
> permission to give an unconventional non-sectarian table grace. I have now
> adopted the practice of doing so. It goes as follows.
>
>
>
> David Steindl-Rast wrote a book entitled GRATEFULNESS; THE HEART OF
> PRAYER. In the book he says that he watches people go through life looking
> for a way to be happy so they can be grateful for their lives. But, he
> says, “It isn’t happiness that makes you grateful. Its gratefulness that
> makes you happy.”
>
>
>
> When I read that I looked into my own life to find out where gratefulness
> comes out spontaneously. (Holding my hand over my heart with an outward
> gesture to include the meal table, I continue) I realized that the mealtime
> is one of those places: because I’m on the receiving end of things,
> (gesture to include the food) and I’m with family or friends. So I invite
> you to share the things for which you’re grateful. We’re grateful to have
> you as guests. What kinds of things have you found yourself grateful for in
> the past 12 to 24 hours? (Sharing takes place) Alright. Let’s eat and be
> grateful. Amen.
>
>
>
> *I've finally made a transition to BLESSINGS & CELEBRATIONS This comes
> from YES Magazine*
>
>
>
> *Special Table Grace*
>
> *[very appropriate at every meal—especially appropriate at Thanksgiving*].
>
>
>
> Once all are present, call on each member to
>
> o   Say what we are grateful for
>
> o   Who or what we want to send special energy to
>
> o   Where we wish for peace
>
>
>
> Gratitude; Blessings; Peace. Amen.
>
>
> David
>
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>
>
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