How Is Your Gratitude Today?

Some time ago, a friend shared with me a story about a man she met who had just been released from prison. He had gotten sober while behind bars. He shared with my friend that at the very first recovery meeting of his freedom, an older wizened man asked him point-blank, “How is your gratitude?” He said at first it brought him up short. However, every morning now he wakes up and he asks himself this same question, “How is your gratitude?”

Life for ex-cons 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 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.