It's almost Thanksgiving. My Uncle and Brother get a kick out of having me give the blessing. Should I be upset?
I'm not, just curious
You can thank the cooks & express happiness that you are all together again...no mention of deities needed!
Just miss out the god bit and everything else should be fine. We should all be thankful we have enough money to buy the food we eat....some people are not so fortunate and should be remembered when we are feasting. The farmers etc., can be thanked in passing, but as they get paid for their efforts I donβt think they need undue thanks either.
"We receive this food in gratitude to all beings
Who have helped to bring it to our table,
And vow to respond in turn to those in need
With wisdom and compassion"
I've used this one at family gatherings. Simple, kind, and a reminder to be compassionate
I enjoy giving a humanistic type blessing, appreciating the real people who contributed to the feast as well as attendants who add the feeling of love and family to the gathering. No mention of supernatural deities, but if that seems to be necessary for some of the group, I can always add some inclusiveness by giving a nod to the "source of all creation" or what ever folks might call it for a vague spiritual connectedness.