Fast Food Gratitude

It isn't often that all eleven of us have the opportunity to go to dinner together. With work, school, and extracurricular activities, when we're able to be in the same place at the same time, it seems like a miracle. 

One of those miracles took place a few days ago when everyone had the same evening off, to celebrate our granddaughter's participation in a school musical. 

As a treat to our granddaughter, her parents asked where she'd like to go for dinner. Her response wasn't McDonald's or KFC (as in the  photo), but if you put an oriental twist on it, you get the idea. 
 
So, there we were, all eleven of us seated at a long rectangular table, our food orders before us. It was a rare occasion that I'd eaten there. I raised my eyebrows as I stared at the bowl of seasoned noodles, with sparse amounts of vegetables and tiny bits of chicken throughout. 

Our oldest grandson piped up with a most heartfelt prayer for our meal, for his sister's role in the play, and our time together as a family. Onlookers gazed our way. It may have seemed odd--eleven heads bowed together in prayer at a fast-food restaurant. 
 
The food wasn't five-star, but the occasion for celebration and and our being together filled my heart with joy. Just a few days before Thanksgiving, it was an evening I will fondly remember as one of "fast food gratitude."
 
This Thanksgiving we are lucky to be able to gather together again, and with all the good cooks in the family, I have no doubt the meal will be excellent. But, even if it was fast food--like the other night--I know that any occasion we have--no matter the menu--can be one of thankfulness and gratitude!  
 
May your Thanksgiving be a Blessed one! 
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