Breaking of Tradition
This past Thanksgiving season, my family broke tradition for the first time I can ever remember. We had the usual: family gathered, the dining room table was set, wonderful smells filled the air, food was prepared with love and displayed in the regular serving pieces, however, there would be no turkey to carve this Thanksgiving. For whatever reason my Dad wanted beef tenderloin to the replace the traditional bird, and so it was.
We also broke tradition with the family dinner prayer. When I arrived at my parent’s home, my Dad asked if I would say grace this Thanksgiving. I had no response other than “of course I will”, but what my Dad didn’t suspect, I was a bit nervous to have that responsibility. Whenever he says grace it’s filled with tenderness for any heartbreak or situation that needs additional prayer of healing or thanksgiving, and he always ends his prayer uplifting those that are less fortunate. That is one tradition that has never been broken.
My family also has the tradition of forming a circle, connecting hands and hearts while the prayer is spoken. It is a ritual I love, as it connects us together as one for those brief moments. At the end of the prayer I always squeeze the hands I am connected with; letting them know the love pouring through my body into theirs; without a spoken word.
As I began to say grace, my voice was shaky as I struggled for the right words. I wanted them to be meaningful for everyone that was gathered within the circle. At the end of the prayer, without breaking tradition, I also lifted up those less fortunate, and finished by asking each one to share one thing they were thankful for. Then one by one, around the circle of family, connected by hearts and hands we shared. Some were sentimental, some funny, but one thing was a common thread; we were thankful for family.
Then we broke bread together and shared one of the most heavenly Thanksgiving meals I can remember. The beef tenderloin was so tender and delicious you could cut it with your fork, then it melted in your mouth. My brother Jeff beautifully cooked and seasoned it with love and care.
Later that afternoon while we enjoyed the delicious assortment of desserts, we happened to be discussing the menu for Christmas and the breaking of tradition this Thanksgiving. Most wanted an exact repeat of the meal shared earlier, but decided we would mix it up and have turkey….LOL, and so it will be. Are you mixing it up this year, or will you go with tradition? However you celebrate, may your family be blessed this holiday season.
xoxox…..Sheryl