In Gratitude ...

Thanksgiving creates gratitude 

which generates contentment

that causes peace.

Todd Stocker

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

I'm writing this post early because I'm winging off to Prince George in BC's Interior in an hour or so, for the first of several Caring On Empty workshops and then returning, briefly, before going to Vancouver Island to spend the holidays with dear ones.

Most of you know of my love for poetry and, especially for blessings. So, here is my gift to you who care for so many at this holiday season. It's one of Jan Richardson's blessings and it goes like this:


You Who Bless

You
who are
yourselves
a blessing

who know
that to feed
the hungering
is to bless

and to give drink
to those who thirst
is to bless

who know
the blessing
in welcoming
the stranger

and giving clothes
to those
who have none

who know
to care
for the sick
is blessing

and blessing
to visit
the prisoner:

may the blessing
you have offered
now turn itself
toward you

to welcome
and to embrace you
at the feast
of the blessed


However you will spend the holiday weekend, may you be blessed in the way of ordinary things - by what you do (or don't do), whom you see and the natural beauty all around you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Jan