Why We Gather: A Thanksgiving Challenge

Every night, my family sits down to dinner. And we say grace.

I used to close my eyes in solemn prayer, but recently I’ve been keeping my eyes open, purposefully looking at the people that make up my life and pausing, just for a moment, on each of them in a silent blessing of acknowledgement and gratefulness.

We wiggle our eyebrows at each other, wink, and sometimes even smile.

I go around the table, one by one. And by the time the prayer is over, I let myself be reminded of what’s really important in this crazy life.

It only takes one second.

Here’s your Thanksgiving challenge:

This week as you gather around the table, look at each person and be reminded of what they’ve given you.

But more importantly ask yourself, What can I give them?

Maybe it’s unwavering support.

Maybe it’s undivided attention.

Maybe it’s forgiveness.

Maybe it’s guidance.

Maybe it’s as simple as passing the gravy.

We make such an effort to get to the table. It must be for a bigger reason than how much we love turkey.

Let’s make it count.

Happy Thanksgiving.