Page 7: For Sun and For Rain

During each meal at the John C Campbell School, we take a moment to give thanks. We do it through song or through simple words. These words of thanks remind us of the basic elements of life that we take for granted. Time passes quickly and we often forget to give thanks for the basic elements of life. Here is what the blessing says:

I am reminded of this blessing as someone recently told me they were uncomfortable when people bless their food before they eat it. I asked why, and they said they did not believe in any sort of God or divine being. I said I could respect their right to believe what they wanted, and mentioned that I bless the food and give thanks for those who grew it to remind me that we are all interconnected. I am dependent on the labors of others AND they are dependent on me to purchase what they produce. It is the lifecycle of commerce that keeps us all alive.

I worked outside today, and was again reminded of this blessing. I was very thankful for the people who work outside everyday planting and harvesting ingredients and the food my family eats. Their toil and sweat are what allows us to live a healthy life. The grass that feeds the livestock, the grain that feeds us all. Whether they toil on the sea or in the soil, it is a miracle that we each need to remember every time we put a fork in our mouth with food we did not grow ourselves. Someone somewhere did the work to feed us. They did what we do not, and yet we are able to live and thrive because of their efforts.

Whether you believe in a higher power of not, let me remind you to always give thanks for the food someone else worked to provide such that you can live. Giving thanks shows respect and reminds us that we are not all things, we are dependent on strangers, and we are blessed to be able to enjoy the products other people work hard to produce. So always remember to give thanks for sun and for rain, without which we would not survive.