This moment, whether spoken or thought, spiritual or secular, repetitive or spontaneous, embodies a kind of comforting ritual for our times. It offers those gathered around the traditional feast (this week or any day of the year) time to remember the source of our food—the earth and the responsibility for its care—and those hands that planted, harvested, and prepared it for us, some of whom may today be hungry.
It is the practice itself that can give a certain structure—a start—and strengthen our sense of community, bringing those around the table to be one for this moment in time. It’s not the words really, because they can be anything, but it’s the act of stopping, humbling, remembering, sharing, and caring that creates its power and can even be an antidote to our tendency toward indifference or ingratitude.
This year, with my family, we hope to inspire this again. Last year was beautiful. For a brief moment one person sang a spontaneous song and we all joined in. Then there was a repetition of an ancient prayer now heard by the younger generation for the first time, and a quiet reflection for those loved and absent. We did, together, become truly grateful in that moment.
We, at ALICE Health, wish you a wonderfully reflective and meaningful Thanksgiving.