Dear David, <br>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. <br>
<br>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. <br>
<br>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 ....".<br>
<br>May the earth community live from their hearts, <br>May the earth community be free from suffering<br>May the earth community be healed,<br>May the earth community live in peace.<br><br>With love, <br><br>Nancy<br><br>
<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Wed, Nov 21, 2012 at 9:19 AM, David Zahrt <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:4deezee@gmail.com" target="_blank">4deezee@gmail.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
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<b><span style="font-family:Arial">UNCONVENTIONAL NON-SECTARIAN TABLE GRACE</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px"><span style="font-family:Arial">When we had guests at the B&B, back in Iowa, I used to introduce an unconventional non-sectarian table grace without asking.</span></p>
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<span style="font-family:Arial">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.</span></p>
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<span style="font-family:Arial">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.”</span></p>
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<span style="font-family:Arial">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.</span></p>
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<b><span style="font-family:Arial">I've finally made a transition to BLESSINGS & CELEBRATIONS This comes from YES Magazine</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px">
<span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;text-align:center" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-family:Arial">Special Table Grace</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;text-align:center" align="center"><i><span style="font-family:Arial">[very appropriate at every meal—especially appropriate at Thanksgiving</span></i><span style="font-family:Arial">].</span></p>
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<span style="font-family:Arial">Once all are present, call on each member to</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0.5in"><span style="font-family:'Courier New'"><span>o<span style="font:normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Say what we are grateful for</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0.5in"><span style="font-family:'Courier New'"><span>o<span style="font:normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Who or what we want to send special energy to</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0.5in"><span style="font-family:'Courier New'"><span>o<span style="font:normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Where we wish for peace</span></p>
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<span style="font-family:Arial">Gratitude; Blessings; Peace. Amen.</span></p><span class="HOEnZb"><font color="#888888"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px"><span style="font-family:Arial"><br>
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<span style="font-family:Arial">David</span></p><div style="outline-style:none;outline-width:initial;outline-color:initial;padding-top:10px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:0px;width:22px;margin-top:2px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px">
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