Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome
Holiday meals can be difficult for families who do not share the same religion, or who have no religion at all. They want to acknowledge the sacredness of togetherness, but aren’t sure how to do so—especially if matters of faith have been divisive.
This is a Thanksgiving Blessing which may be read aloud in lieu of prayer: it honors the special time of being together by emphasizing the things we all share— instead of highlighting differences. It reminds us why we gather and all we have to be grateful for in our lives.
And while It isn’t guaranteed to make anyone shed a thankful tear, many were seen around our holiday table last year. (I’m looking at you, Grandmothers!)
From our home to yours: May this Blessing be offered with peace and joy. Happy Thanksgiving!
A Thanksgiving Blessing
We come together this day
Gathered in gratitude
For all the beauty in our lives.
And when we count our blessings—as we should–
We look to our left [reader does all indicated actions to lead others to do the same], and to our right, and across the table, and we see the faces of those who love us.
We close our eyes and we think of dear ones near and far, of old and new friends, of loved ones who are gone, but are never forgotten, for they have forever changed our lives.
We think of our freedom, the peace with which we gather, the meal awaiting us, the safe and warm beds to which we will return tonight, and we remember that it is not so for many around the world.
For all those souls who suffer we offer a moment of silence. [Reader takes beat of silence]
We open our eyes and think of the sight we have to enjoy sunsets, the ears we have to hear music, the voice we have to sing along with the radio, the skin we’ve been given to experience this one wild, precious life.
With all our blessings, it is tempting to mention only the things of joy when we give thanks
But the difficulties we face are a blessing, too.
For it is only when we are lonely that we understand what it is to be together here
It is our sadness that makes room in our hearts for the joy of this day.
So we give thanks for the darkness and for the light
For the things we lack, and for our bounty
For the things we have lost, and for those we have found.
We count all these things as blessings, for they create this complicated, messy, utterly beautiful life that we share.
And now we join hands [everyone joins hands] and take a moment to savor this very moment, for it is only in moments that we live.
And together, we give thanks.
[Amen optional…Alternately: “Let’s eat!”]
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