We all have someone to give thanks to.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. (Who can't help but think about it when there will be lots of cooking and gatherings involved?) Specifically, I've been thinking about how families give thanks on Thanksgiving, and who exactly they're giving thanks to. I would wager that the vast majority of families celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States will be praying before their meal, giving thanks to God just like the Pilgrims did so many years ago. But what if you are not a religious family? What if you aren't sure what - if anything - is out there to pray to?

No matter what your belief about God, I think there is something to be said for taking a moment from the busyness of life to cultivate a sense of thanksgiving. 

Personally, I do believe in something greater than myself - a "God" for lack of a better word. And no matter what anyone calls it, its essence is never changing. Call it Allah, God, the Divine, the Universe, or the laws of physics, it simply IS. And taking a moment to pay attention to what IS, to cultivate a sense of connectedness with others, and with the world around us, can only be good.

In Japan, it is customary to say, "Itadakimasu" before each meal. And while it's possible that many people say it out of habit, without giving much homage to its traditional meaning, it has become a favorite word of my own. Literally, it means, "I humbly receive." But Japan has a strong Buddhist background, with an emphasis on the respect of all living things, and that one simple word expresses thanks to the plants and animals who gave their lives for the meal, as well as the farmers, hunters, and gatherers, who made the meal possible. It is quite humbling to reflect for a moment on how far that food traveled to get to my plate, and how many people had a hand in its delivery.

Whether you believe in a God or not, none of us lead the lives we do independently of others. To think that we are successful solely because of our own hard work or good deeds is an illusion. We were born because of the work of our mother's body. We were kept alive by food that was cultivated, harvested, delivered and purchased for us. The clothes we wear were made by someone else's hands. You are able to read the words on this page because a teacher somewhere spent his or her time and energy teaching you how to read.

"We don't accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something." -- Sandra Day O'Connor

We are all connected. We all have someone to give thanks to. 

That's what I think God wants us to remember on Thanksgiving (and every other day of the year). 

If you are a religious family and already have a ritual of prayer before meals, then feel free to skip the resources below. If, however, "praying" before meals is new to you, or you haven't done it in so long that you don't know where to begin, let me give you some resources that might help you in introducing a prayer or blessing into your family's routine.

• Wendy Thomas Russell gave a few secular prayer options in one of her older posts about Thanksgiving for secular families. 
• The Unitarian Universalist Association has put their Tapestry of Faith curricula online for FREE. Check out their lesson plans for young children titled "Bless This Meal." 
• Look over this huge list of secular prayers from Kelly Naturally, where you will be sure to find something that fits your family. 

<-- This book looks great and has been on my radar for quite some time. It contains prayers for all times of day and various occasions. And it's prayers come from a wide variety of religious traditions.

<-- "The Book of New Family Traditions" is one that I purchased years ago and turn to often for new ideas. You'll find ideas for holidays, as well as daily, weekly and monthly rituals. There is even a specific section for mealtime "graces." 

<-- "Saying Grace" looks like a perfect resource for families in need of mealtime blessings.  This book holds a collection of 120 blessings - specifically for mealtimes - from across the globe. You're bound to find something you like in here.

Is "saying grace" already a part of your family's mealtime routine? And if not, do you incorporate any other traditions into mealtimes and/or Thanksgiving?