Thankfulness

Lately Raymond and I have started saying grace at every meal. It really has been a soul changing sort of experience. We don't say it out loud, but say something in our minds. In fact, I don't think he says anything at all, but that's ok. The point is - we hold hands before every meal, regardless of whether we are home or out, and pause for a moment.

The thing I find the most interesting is that something different comes to my mind every time we do it, as opposed to one rehearsed phrase. Sometimes I instinctively think of prayers from my childhood:

- For what we are about to receive may the Lord make us truly thankful (and then I giggle as I think about how my brothers and I would say that on purpose if someone started eating early....with extra emphasis on the ABOUT TO RECEIVE)
- God is good, God is great, thank you for our food, Amen
- The johnny appleseed song
- Bless this food to our use, and us to your service

Lots of times it is something completely unrelated to food that comes to mind:
- Thank you for this beautiful day
- We are so blessed in all that we have been able to do
- Thank you that we took down wallpaper without killing each other

And sometimes I hear the voice of someone I know saying a grace in the way they would say it:
- My friend Jon saying "Father God" like he is talking to a good friend
- My nephew saying "SQUEEZE" at the end of grace so that we squeeze hands

But I think the part I like the best is that it is unconditional - it doesn't matter where we are, we always do this.

I saw a t-shirt the other day that said "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would they have enough evidence?" On this thanksgiving - I challenge myself, and all my readers, to not only be thankful for the blessings in our lives, but also to be open to the world about who you are thankful to. Be thankful for all the wonderful people in your life, but also live a life that leads people to be thankful for you.

Lots of love
Pamela

p.s. Sorry for the lack of posts lately. There is just SO much to write everyday about life in Texas that I get overwhelmed. I also get inspired when other people write on their blogs (yes this means you mom, Duncan, MD and the lovely woman I hope will someday be my sisterinlaw)....so if you like reading mine - get writing on yours too!