I am not religious (anymore, long story), but here is the offering I am giving tomorrow as we host Thanksgiving.

In light of the past few years, and as we see continued tension at home and hostility abroad, what today symbolizes is more important that ever – To acknowledge what we are thankful for, to be around those we care about. But we would be remiss to not acknowledge all that makes this day possible.

We must acknowledge that we celebrate on the traditional land of the Powhatan tribe. Their ancestors met, often with hostility, the colonists in Jamestown and were moved to reservations before extinction. We must commit ourselves to the support of the remaining native people of Virginia, in both word and deed.

Please join me in a moment of thankful silence.

We would also not be here without those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and those who continue to put themselves in harms ways. Staying eternally vigilant, men and women in our armed forces are away from their families, so we can gather here.

Please join me in a moment of thankful silence.

We must acknowledge the doctors, nurses, who cared for those have suffered in the global pandemic, and the scientists who created the means for us to move through the pandemic most interesting few years in all of our lifetimes.

Please join me in a moment of thankful silence.

In closing, I came across a quote that is attributed to the Talmud, and given the climate of our world, it seemed fitting in a day in which I am able to be with those I love.

“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

Finally, at the end of Episcopal services, the priest sends the congregation forth with this:

“Life is short and we do not have much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling this journey with us. So be swift to love, make haste to be kind.

Please join me in a moment of thankful silence.