Years ago, a friend told me about a man she met who had just been released from prison. He had found his way into recovery from addiction while behind bars. She said that at his first recovery meeting, an older, wizened man asked him, “How is your gratitude?” He told my friend the question brought him up short. He didn’t know how to answer. However, ever since that first meeting, every morning he asks himself this same question upon waking: “How is your gratitude?”

Life for ex-convicts is not easy. Even when their lives are turned around and straightened out, few people are willing to hire them for jobs. There forever seems to be a lack of trust and acceptance. I have to imagine it is not easy to carve out a new life.

For this man, a gratitude check every morning is essential for life. It puts things in perspective and allows him to visualize grace.

This same question could be a huge blessing for our lives as well. I invite you to try it for a week. Each day, as you wake up, before you get out of bed, ask yourself the question, “How is my gratitude today? What do I have to be thankful for?” In your mind, list several things, people, events, or places. As you do, notice your perspective widen and your spirits lift.

Let us pray: Loving God, today I thank you for much-needed rain. I thank you for the laughter of children and the love I receive from my family. I also thank you for the shelter of a warm home and for food enough to share. You have blessed each of us so richly. Keep us mindful of these blessings and help us to be attentive to and responsive to the needs of those around us. Amen.

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