OUR MORNING WALK for the Week of November 24, 2008

BE GRATEFUL.

In large black lettering, on a completely white background, it stands silently. That is the complete message of this particular billboard as it quietly stands watch along Interstate 29 on the North Dakota border.

It is a message, a billboard that has been in place for quite some time as those around it systematically have changed to continually pace the onset of new products and businesses. There are no other words, acknowledgments or endorsements in small print on this particular sign. It doesn't advocate a particular holiday or a specific religious organization. And it doesn't promote a political ideology or a marketing framework. It is simply two words that are very difficult to ignore along the throughway of Interstate 29... and along the path of our journey.

On our morning walk today, my friend, I am going to ask you participate in a short activity with me. If you are willing, be still and relax for a moment. And when you've cleared your mind and heart for just a brief moment, please read these words below - slowly and repeat them a few times, as if it were a personal mantra.

BE GRATEFUL

BE GRATEFUL

BE GRATEFUL

Now please take one more moment to reflect on these following questions:

• Does anyone or anything come to mind when you recite the words?
• Are you reminded of a situation or person which you've taken for granted for quite some time?
• A situation or relationship that needs to be mended, healed, or helped along?
• Are you reminded of a personal blessing that was initially disguised as a challenge or obstacle?
• Do you find yourself wanting to grab a piece of paper to begin making a list of several items?
• Do you find yourself forgetting, even for a brief moment, the recent life dilemma or challenge that is plaguing you?
• Is your mood even slightly lifted after this short reflection?

It is theorized by recent studies that the average human has about 60,000 different thoughts in a given day. And of those 60,000 thoughts, it is further theorized, that only 20% of them are positive in nature. Only 20% are positive. Is it any wonder that we so quickly grasp at those holidays and celebrations that give us permission and access to become and be grateful during the calendar year?

Upon reading this particular billboard for the nth time, I was finally struck by its simple, yet powerful purpose. It is not a simple, nor static proclamation, my friend; it is a banner of action. For when we've had ample time to reflect on that for which we are grateful, it beckons us forward to give more of ourselves - to become more hopeful, loving and understanding and to remain hopeful, loving and understanding. Its invitation moves us quickly into that 20% of our day where our sense of hope flows. And it is in that personal sense and practice of gratefulness that allows hope to flourish.

The billboard's message drew me to moments of sheer joy at the marriage to my best friend and soulmate, the birth of our four wonderful children, the joyous family gatherings across holidays and celebrations with both sides of my family. I was poignantly reminded of the wondrous gifts of self-discovery, faith, exploration, passion, and wisdom that collectively are the rich gift of Life. I was warmly visited by the vivid image of my once-three-year-old son in the eyes of my newly-turned-eleven-year-old son... and all the glorious ordinary conversations and experiences with him over these years that has made Life extraordinary. And I was greeted by the many faces of the lives, like yours, my friend, that have so richly blessed my life.

The message of the billboard allowed me to forgive a friend of old for a wrong not yet released over all these years... as well as forgiving myself for my own wrong-doing. It nudged me to consider the gifts, abilities and resources that I haven't yet used to their potential and invited me to reconsider their reinvestment in new ventures and adventures. And it was this simple message along this somewhat barren stretch of highway that reinvigorated my somewhat weary spirit; it beckoned me continue to look up - again and again - at Who is truly in control of and orchestrating this symphony called Life.

At the onset of this particular season of thanks-giving, my friend, I invite you to further quiet yourself one evening this week and take a personal accounting of the blessings (both significant and seemingly insignificant) in your life. Be prepared. For in this personal accounting, the gratefulness will emerge and may very well overwhelm you. Forget about your woes and worries for a moment and allow that gratefulness to well up inside of you... and overflow into every aspect of your life. In this hopeful process, there is inevitable healing toward all woes and worries.

For in a world where most everything is systematically changing to continually pace the onset of new products, businesses and technology, it is comforting to know that price and product of gratefulness have remained the same over all these years. The price and product of gratefulness? They may very well be your soul, my friend.

A joyous, peaceful and grateful Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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Friend, did you pour out half a cup of your coffee or a portion of your soda today? Consider donating tomorrow's cup of coffee or soda (the monetary value of it) to Children's Hospital Boston and sponsor Lee Hoedl as he prepares to run the 113th Boston Marathon in April 2009. Click on the banner below for more information concerning the Miles for Miracles Program and its wondrous purpose.