Thanksgiving is meant to be family gathering, especially when our families are far flung, and our meetings intermittent, or annual at best. But too often, what was meant to be a joyful, becomes a rehashing of old grievances, political, religious, or mis-remembered childhood events.

What I learned this week is that in addition to giving ​thanks, we can give grace.

Giving grace means knowing your brother has a gift for speaking with strangers, that's how he's grown his successful business. Instead of being impatient while waiting, I'll grab my knitting and get to work on the heel of a sock I've been putting off because it's a tedious knit.