Saying Grace

At times, I've been seated at a table with everyone looking at one another as to who will 'say grace'.  Awkward.

Anticipating that, I now arrive with one prepared in the event that all eyes fall on me.

For each gathering, it will be different.  You must gauge the tone and religiosity at the table.  Family or close friends will share a blessing that includes personal or faith-based references.  When at a table with lesser known people or that includes strangers, a quote from a famous author may work well.  My favorite is:

Thanksgiving

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

An alternative is "If the only prayer you said in your whole life was thank you, that would suffice". By Meister Eckhart.  Then thank your hosts.

Happy Thanksgiving.