Thanksgiving Day

Today is Thanksgiving. It's not that hard to find things to be thankful for this year: I'm grateful my house did not burn up, the fire and smoke season is over, that my family is healthy and financially secure, and that I get to play with my new grandson every week!

Agenda:
1. Thanksgiving Meditation for Peace & Abundance
2. Community zoom worship
3. Finish the food
5. Give thanks

1. Thanksgiving Meditation for Peace & Abundance:
In order to set this day apart, I will treat it as a Sabbath… no unkind words, no rushing, no work that isn’t thankful work. I choose to stay present, notice everything as if in slow motion, and pause often to observe what I am thankful for in the moment.

To start the morning right, I began giving thanks before I got out of bed. I plan to stay in a thanksgiving meditation as long as I can ... Take a deep breath and feel deep gratitude for what I have, for the abundance of having a home, a family and friends. I am thankful for the things I usually take for granted. I am thankful that I AM ALIVE.

Sadie hates cameras and always looks anxious in photos.

I give thanks for my warm bed, for my slippers, my dog, my sleeping family, my clean kitchen, and my morning cup of coffee. I pray that my friends and family stay safe and well.

I give thanks for the pies on the table, and the abundance of food in the refrigerator. I pray that others find enough food today to feel full and satisfied.

I give thanks for a home of peace. I pray for peace and justice for my brothers and sisters with darker skins and different faiths, and that I will have the strength to stand with them when things get dangerous.

2. Community Zoom Worship:

Every year my Quaker community has a Thanksgiving Day Meeting for Worship, but I don't think I've ever gone because I'm usually busy monitoring the turkey. This year we are meeting by zoom, so I will be there!

3. Finish the food:
I finished my pies yesterday, and today I'm in charge of the chicken, the gravy, and the cranberry sauce. W will make stuffing, potatoes and green beans.

4. Give thanks:
Thankfulness is a powerful and transforming emotion. I hope to take time to feel each nuance of the day, to feel gratitude for each person present, and for each dish offered; and give thanks for the food, all the way back to its source and all who handled it on the way to our table.