This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
The Slice: Now if we would all bow our heads
Today The Slice presents a transcript of an interview with the Spokane Man Who Likes to be the One Who Says Grace Before Meals.
As usual, you will not believe what he had to say.
Q: So why do you like to be the one to say the blessing?
A: It’s really about quality control.
Q: What?
A: When the wrong person says grace, the whole meal can really go off the rails.
Q: Can you explain?
A: Well, if you had ever heard someone offering the pre-meal prayer veer off into politics, sports or pointed critiques of other faith traditions, you would know what I mean.
Q: What about nonbelievers? There are lot in the Northwest. Can you craft a pre-meal blessing in such a way as to include them?
A: You mean by offering time for rebuttal?
Q: No, what I …
A: I was kidding. I have found that one way to include the unchurched in the spirit of the blessing is to simply express gratitude for the food and the company, points on which all can agree.
Q: No “Heavenly father” or “Dear Lord”?
A: It varies. You need to take the temperature of the room. Some say if it is a meal at your own home, you should give ’em both barrels. But my conception of religion includes the notion that considering the comfort of one’s guests is not a sinful retreat.
Q: Any advice for those saying grace?
A: Brevity.
Q: What else?
A: Try to remember it is not an editorial. For instance, I would think it isn’t the right time to suggest that anyone who hasn’t seen it should watch the movie “Spotlight.”
Q: How about for Thanksgiving? Is that the Super Bowl of grace saying?
A: I suppose you could put it that way. I think the things to stress at Thanksgiving are our common bonds and our tradition of supporting one another in times of need. And, of course, giving thanks.
Q: Are you in favor of joining hands?
A: I’m torn. On one hand, I see it as a beautiful symbol of togetherness. On the other, I know it creeps some people out.
Q: Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
A: Peace be with you.
Today’s Slice question: What’s the non-obvious lesson to be drawn from Garth Brooks ticket sales here?
Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. Anyone ever given their seven kids names that start with the letters in S-P-O-K-A-N-E?