Early this summer, we were in Dallas, TX for a small family reunion. For Crying Out Love, even in the heat of summer it was a time to be grateful. It deepened relationships and was great fun.
Synchronicitously, we also discovered a Dallas wonder that a number of its citizens whom we met did not know about: Thanks-Giving Square. It is an oasis and inspiration.
There was no acknowledgement in the official literature about the square, but it seems to me that the national rupture that was President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas in 1963 was a very meaningful impetus for the initial vision of the square’s beginning in 1964. From that perspective, the square highlights what we all have in common, the meaningfulness of gratitude, even in the midst of tragedy. It is welcoming to all faiths and cultures.
Amidst its works of art, words of reflection, and tranquil, shaded places to rest is the Chapel of Thanksgiving. It is a spiral structure, simple, small, cool, with diffuse light. One enters and then almost immediately begins to soak in its spirit by standing as I did in the center, or laying on the floor looking up, or sitting reflectively to one side. (Watch the brief video above.)
In my work, I write and speak about the very human capacities that deepen relationship, prayer, and love: awareness, honest expression, imaginative attunement, and gratefulness. Here in this space with many of my extended family nearby it was easy to be in touch with all of these, especially gratefulness.
Like love, thankfulness is gradually and powerfully transformative and healing. Here is a city space dedicated to just that, and open to the world. Now that’s something to be thankful for!
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