a blessing

We had our first block party in our cul-de-sac this week. It was a bit of a thrown-together, last minute, super simple gathering, but I loved it. Nearly half the block is new as of the last few months, so it was the first time we’d ever all come together. We brought folding tables and lawn chairs, everyone brought their own dinner, and we filled one table with goodies to share. 

As we all settled into our chairs, one member volunteered to offer a blessing over our food. The blessing was this: 

Earth we thank you for this food.

For rest and home and all things good.

For wind and rain and sun above,

And most of all for those we love. 

Even though we were all shivering in the October dark by the end of our evening, I loved it. Kids circling on bikes, various pets coming and going, laughter and learning and looking forward to the future. I’m so grateful to live in a little budding community.