A Time for Thanks

My holiday memories are full of love, laughter, sharing, and feasts!! I have the most loving family.  My mother's parents had seven children, many many grandchildren, and many "greats" now.  To celebrate holidays, we would all gather at my grandparent's home.  We used to joke that by the time you said "hi" to everyone and made your rounds greeting and hugging each and every family member, it would be time to leave!!  I loved my grandparent's home.  It was warm and cozy, and grams would have so many wonderful cookies and treats to spoil us with!! Along with the endless plates of goodies were her kisses, warm sweet laugh, and hugs for days!! The house always smelled divine and you could hear the sound of a football game on the tv in the background, and everyone talking, laughing, and sharing stories over supper. Sometimes I hear a song or smell a certain scent that takes me back to those days as a kid and I embrace what were some of the greatest memories of my lifetime. 

     As Thanksgiving approaches, I would like to share some of our memories as a family through stories, memoirs, and recipes passed down over the years.  My dear aunt, with a little help from her sisters, spent hours organizing recipes, stories, and pictures, to put together a wonderful book of family cuisine that in itself tells the story of us. It is called "Supper Songs".  I never asked her exactly what this title meant, only that to me it was a glorious reference to the meals we shared being like songs.  Songs of love, sharing, kindness, and joy.  Songs of our life.  Food is more than just that which sustains us.  Each dish holds a story of those who devoted their time, labor, and love to make something spectacular to share with those dear to them. 

     I want to start by sharing our Thanksgiving prayer.  

Heavenly Father, we ask your blessings on our family gathered together this Thanksgiving Day and also on those members who cannot be here with us today.  We thank you for the love we share with one another;  for the food that we are about to receive, and for all the blessings we have been granted.  We are grateful that we live in a land of plenty, where friends and family can gather together to celebrate the harvest.  Help us to be ever mindful of the simple and easily forgettable things that bring real happiness and that it is our duty and privilege to give back to the world, in some measure, a part of all that you have given to us.  These things we ask in Jesus' name. AMEN

This prayer was found among our dear grandparent's files, 1976-1977. 

Happy Thanksgiving to my family and friends.  May you enjoy peace and love during this time of giving.