Moving on from "Rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub"
by Claire Stapleton
Americans love their family values and cultural conservatism, but saying grace has gone subversive. Undoubtedly nostalgic Americana in its finest, it's also new school: the funk brought by immigrants has colored the frontier and brought a host of trendy graces to the table. As shown by our Buddhist and Native American friends, grace can make you feel both righteous and guilty. You might also consider opening the palette with the dynamic pairing of the American Boy Scouts and Britain's radiant "Queen."
Buddhist Grace
With the first taste, I promise to offer joy. With the second, I promise to help relieve the suffering of others. With the third, I promise to see others' joy as my own. With the fourth, I promise to learn the way of non-attachment and equanimity.
This plate of food, so fragrant and appetizing, also contains much suffering.
Native American Grace
Creator, Earth Mother, we thank you for our lives and this beautiful day. Thank You for the bright sun and the rain we received last night. Thank You for this circle of friends and the opportunity to be together. We want to thank You especially at this time for the giveaway of their lives made by the chickens, beets, carrots, grains and lettuce.
We thank them for giving of their lives so we may continue our lives through this great blessing. Please help us honor them through how we live our lives.
"We Will Rock You," Boy Scout Grace
(sung to the tune of Queen's "We Will Rock You")
Heavenly Father, Lord and King,/You provide us with everything/We've got Food on our plate,/Tastin' great/ Thanks for the food we already ate/ Singing thank you Father, thank you!/Thank you Father, thank you!
