I was talking with a friend recently and when asked, “How are you?” I proceeded to gush about my recent woes–about all the stress I’ve been undergoing at work, how exhausted I am, how my back pain has flared up, how I have been on this dry spell from writing, whah whah whah whah (you are hopefully having an auditory memory of Charlie Brown’s teacher’s voice right now).  He was kind and sympathetic and then offered me some advice that made me pause and reflect.  He said, “You know, I was told many years ago–when I was going through a very, over-the-top, stressed to the max kind of time–to consider all that I am grateful for.  Right there, in the middle of my stress.  And if I do that, the stress won’t seem so bad.”

Wow.  What can I say to that besides, “Thank you?”

I thought that gratitude was probably more interesting and pleasing to listen to than my laundry list of stressors so I decided to give it a go.  Well, I’m only four days into the new plan and I’ve been failing miserably…just ask my co-workers!  But, in spite of my countless backslides into wallowing in complaints, I am striving ever onward to embracing an attitude of gratitude.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am morally opposed to quick fix-it kind of emotional band-aids.  The reality is my job is still quite demanding, I do still have chronic pain, and I’m clawing my way out of writing wilderness those things won’t necessarily go away with a different attitude.  The difference is that I am consciously choosing to embark on a discipline of naming that for which I’m grateful.  And I thought today would be a perfect day to start this new discipline out loud here on This Front Porch.

I am thankful for all the Veterans who have faithfully and courageously served our country throughout the decades.  I am thankful for the men and women who have fought, despite the opposition of many or of few, for what they believe in.  I am so sorry that your faithful service took you to hell and back and has left you with so many scars–on your bodies and on your souls but I am deeply grateful that you have paid that price that I might not have to.   You have sacrificed dreams, youth, comforts, ambitions, and time away from families, spouses, children, and friends.  You have seen and done unspeakable things and you no doubt bear unfathomable grief.  Some of you have gone and returned without support, without fanfare, and without thanks, so I offer mine, as humble as it is: Thank you for serving our country.

**I’d like to take a moment to remember those who have served and who did not return.**

I also invite you to honor a service person here by writing, in the comments section, his or her name and anything else you’d like to share.  Thank you for being a part of my gratitude project!