The Only Appropriate Response

Yesterday, I woke to silence and darkness.

During the night, we lost power.

We were not alone.

The heavy winds and storms affected thousands.

My day was disrupted from that first moment.

Obstacles and struggles accompanied me throughout the day.

And I noticed something very strange.

I was grateful.

Pretty much the entire day, I found myself smiling.

Grateful for the many blessings in my life.

This disruption was an opportunity.

A reminder to stop, look, and go.

It was far from an ordinary day.

This Saturday was supposed to be a day of rest.

My last day off before the busy coaching season begins.

The next full day off with no responsibility is a month away.

These days are not hard or laborious, but they are filled.

Work, coaching, ministry, and other obligations.

So I was grateful for a Saturday of rest.

But it was not, and I was grateful.

A couple of years ago, I came across this Ted Talk.

The speaker was Benedictine Monk, David Steindl-Rast.

His talk was titled, Want to be happy? Be grateful.

His reminder was to stop, look, and go.

Our happiness is a result of our gratitude.

And in all things, we have the opportunity to find gratitude.

Not that we are happy with everything that happens.

But that we have the opportunity to respond at any moment.

I have listened to this talk many times.

Each time, I am touched by Brother David's humble spirit.

He radiates love and gratitude for life.

And his smile seems to be a window to his soul.

As I look at him, I can't help but think of Jesus.

St. Francis, Gandhi, Thich Nhat Hanh.

Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Mr. Rogers.

These humble exemplars of love, joy, and peace.

How would they respond to my situation?

Probably with a smile and gratitude.

For the work of those restoring service.

For the countless men and women who serve in all capacities.

We rely on each other.

We need each other for survival.

And our survival depends on our fellow heroic servants.

Locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

We need each other.

I have far more than I will ever need.

My response is gratefulness.

For others and for the opportunity to serve others.