Monday, January 28, 2008

Done Prayer

I had the privilege, during my visit to Independence, to have a "Grandma Cora Dinner" at the home of Mary Beth(Sacry) and Doug Hunter. Susan, Nancy, Sandy and I thought it would be fun to have a dinner like Grandma used to have. So we assigned each of the "Sacrys" (Hunters, Schaefers, Jenkins, Reiffs, Ericksons, Adkins) to make something. Nancy-fried chicken; Brian Paul - cheese grits; Leslie - cole slaw; myself- butterhorns; Deb and Brian - mashed potatoes; Tiffany - cranberry pudding with caramel sauce; Susan - chocolate sheet cake and she sent some corn also. Eventually we ended up at Mary Beth and Doug's home. Doug said the prayer of blessing and then we ate the delicious meal that would have made Grandma proud of us all. We all sat around the living room with plates on our laps, enjoying visiting. The children played with each other so delightfully. They were noisey but despite the noise it was a blessing to watch their fun with each other. We especially enjoyed our new little Brody, Leslie and Mike's 4 month old. It was a splendid time and such a blessing to me having an opportunity to be with everyone while I was there. Susan and Sandy were sick and couldn't come.
Toward the end of the meal as we were visiting, little Makenna, Debbie and Brian's 4 year old, was walking around whispering something in people's ear. When she came to me she whispered, "We're going to do a done prayer." It took me a moment to realize she wanted us to have an ending prayer like we had a beginning prayer. I don't know why we didn't end up doing it. I thought how only a child might come up with such a splendid and pure idea. It reminded me that we seem to do good at asking God's blessing on our activities, like a safe trip, our meals, help our children get well, etc. but we seldom do a "done prayer." A prayer to say, Thanks, that was a great trip! Or, boy, that WAS a good meal - thanks! Or thanks that my child got well. Thanks for the insight Makenna! I think we should add that idea to our Sacry traditions along with the butterhorn rolls! "And a little child shall lead them."

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Both sets of my grandparents always ended every meal with a prayer when I was a little girl. I don't know why we never did that. Karen