What Thanksgiving means to me.

My prayer isn’t about food … and it shouldn’t be. I don’t ask for His blessings as, having food, I’m already blessed. I thank God, not only for the bounty before me, but for shelter, health and people. As to those who have hurt me or those I have hurt, forgiveness is granted; forgive me as well? May I never forget my mistakes lest I make them anew. May those with bountiful blessings share with those less fortunate. May the light of love within each of us pulsate, in peace, toward one another. May Your grace inspire us, guide us, heal us, fill our lives with Your joy. May the wounds of body, soul and spirit find the salve of faith which heals. May Your strength help us to lift ourselves from the murky quicksand of despair—to put aside our greed, envy, vices, and such. May we turn from self-worship, vanity, and love one another as ourselves. May the empty chairs at the table be filled … if not with folks then with sweet memories of those whom we’ve loved. Let our hearts carry, cherish, that love inside forevermore to banish our prolonged mourning. I thank Thee for those whom I treasure—yesterday, today and tomorrow. The hands and words that molded me, make me who I am and, therefore, I am grateful for each and every one. My life is enriched by each person I’ve met. May I tuck the shadows of darkness and tears away so as not to lessen the joy I receive from family and friends each day. I am thankful for Your presence in my life, grateful for Your patience (it’s human to ere), and ask for Your guidance. You provide my breath, the spark, the love—all that am, have been and ever will be. Thank you Lord. It is You whom I give thanks for every day of my life! Of all those whom I love and adore, You come first! I love you dearly and sincerely ….forever. Amen