Although we come from different denominations and are no longer members of any church, Mike and I are agreed about the need for gratitude at mealtimes. We alternate between the Methodist grace of his childhood and the Catholic grace of mine, maintaining the traditions of our families as we express our thanks for the great good fortune we have experienced in our lives.
At Thanksgiving I like to augment our usual grace by lighting three candles in honor of food.
The first candle is for the abundance of food. We must have food to live. The nutrition our bodies require for survival is not guaranteed and so we give thanks for the chance to eat our fill, as we remember those who never have enough.
The second candle is for the pleasure of food. The delicious taste of our carefully prepared and presented dishes reminds us of the many glories this world offers to our senses. We give thanks for the joy that beauty gives to us as we remember to look for it everywhere every day.
The third candle is for the sharing of the food. The most important part of Thanksgiving is the gathering of friends and family. As we sit down to partake of the bounty together, we remember that love is the best seasoning and give thanks, always, for each other.