The Gift of Gratitude

Hello my friend! 

I hope this message finds you doing well today and lifts up your spirits! No matter where you are, no matter where you've been, and no matter where you are going, this one practice will help bring a smile to your face, regardless of circumstance, it certainly has for me... I pray it does the same for you. 

It's what I call the gift of gratitude. 

This picture of me is from the VERY last underway I ever did in the US Navy. After serving for over two years as the navigator aboard USS PATRIOT, a minesweeper stationed in Sasebo, Japan, my crew and I safely sailed us back to our homeport for the last time.

It was a day filled with anticipation, relief, and stress, but above all, gratitude. 

I was fortunate to travel around the world with the Navy, and as Navigator of my vessel, I led my ship and crew across thousands of nautical miles of sea and ocean to numerous countries, plotting every inch of every voyage we traveled. We got to do and see some amazing things, but at the end of the day my task was to keep everyone safe. And it was a task I did not take lightly, ensuring all my shipmates came home safe and sound every single time. 

However, on this day, I knew my work as Navigator of the Mighty Patriot would be my last. It would be the last day I would ever lead my Sailors on the high seas. But it also marked the end of an era, one marked by duty, sacrifice, integrity, and triumph. On this day, my crew and I arrived back at Sasebo, Japan, but for me, for the last time. Finally, I could rest easy as my "watch" had come to an end. 

 I knew it was a special moment, so I asked my best friend on the boat to snap a quick picture for posterity. It remains my favorite picture from my time in the naval service to this day. A day truly marked by gratitude.

***

Gratitude kept me going during all those languishingly long and grueling nights at sea, it reminded me of my wonderful family, my friends, and the great country I had back home, as well as reminding me of the wonderful God I have who loves me and made me special. Gratitude also allowed me to be thankful for my tightknit crew and the honor I had to serve them as their navigator. Gratitude allowed me to give thanks even when it seemed like I didn't have much, but in reality, I truly did have so much to be thankful for. Gratitude got me through the most demanding time in my life with high spirits, love, and joy, and allowed me to persevere through difficult times.

I will never forget the life lessons I learned while out at sea, and I am forever thankful for the gift of gratitude. It can turn even the most difficult seasons of life into something remarkable.

***

I don't know what you may be going through right now, but I do know that if you take a moment to stop and realize all you have to be grateful for, you will walk away with a smile (even if only in your heart). 

Think about all the wonderful things in your life that you do have: a God who loves you, all the people in your life that make it special, all the things you've gotten to experience, and all the amazing things yet to come. The clothes on your back, the shoes on your feet, the food in the fridge, the heat in your home, the warm blanket on your bed... each a beautiful blessing... Don't forget it!

Remember: as long as you still have breath in your lungs and a beat to your heart, your work is not yet finished, and the BEST is yet to come! 

Take some time today and see all that you have to be grateful for. And the more often you do... the more you will find to be grateful for, indeed!

Have a wonderful week!