Authenticity | Forgiveness Around the Table

How can we open our hands to let go and receive just a little more.


My husband and I decided to host Thanksgiving this year.  While I love the creativity and detail and excitement that go into hosting, I’m also realizing that I may be holding on to some things that make it hard to offer generosity and openness around a table meant to be shared in gratitude and grace.  Some of this may be about people who will be seated around the table, some of this may be toward myself, some of this may be about holidays in the past.

There is an authenticity that can happen when we sit down together and share a meal, and I’m challenged by the words of poet Ted Loder when I think about my seat as co-host of this upcoming Thanksgiving day meal:

 

Loosen my grip,

            on those grudges and grievances

                        I hold so closely,

that I may risk exposing myself

            to the spirit of forgiving and forgiveness

                        that changes things and resurrects dreams and courage.

 

Loosen my grip,

            on my fears

that I may be released a little into humility

            and into an acceptance of my humanity.

 

 

Whether you’re hosting or joining someone else’s table, I hope our hands are open to let go and receive a little more.

 

 

With you and for you,

Alair 

Photo by Gianandrea Villa on Unsplash

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Alair Olson, M.A.

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