posted on the back of the slim blue bulletin we receive every sunday at church during service was a recipe on how to make a thanksgiving cake.

it was probably meant to induce smiles and serve as a gentle reminder on what we are called to do, and really most people would gloss over it.

but i'm bothered by it.

Thanksgiving Cake

1 cup good thoughts
1 cup kind deeds
1 cup consideration for others
2 cups sacrifice
2 cups well-beaten faults
3 cups forgiveness

Mix thoroughly, add tears of joy and kindly service. Fold in 4 cups of prayer and faith- blend well. Fold into daily life. Bake well with the warmth of human kindness and serve with a smile anytime. It will satisfy the hunger of starved souls.

struggle.
when the ingredients and method doesn't come that easily.

again
"i have found the answer is to love You and be loved by You"

to not seek to be validated amongst people,
to bite back my tongue, the language that runs in my head when the I and the Other meet in thought or in actual presence
and to love, love and not give judgement.
give grace.