The conversation was going well until our food came to the table.
Suddenly, the business colleague I had been chatting it up with across from me was absolutely silent, still, bowed head, eyes closed – praying over his lunch.
I had done this in times past myself, mostly when in the southern states where praying over your food is an every meal occurrence, no matter in public or private. But it had been years since I’d done so.
His prayer prompted me to stop and reflect on my own gratitude prayer before each meal, if even in a business setting.
Once he was finished with his moment, he looked up at me, smiled and continued the conversation, as if nothing had happened.
But something HAD happened – inside of me – a desire to be more like him, and a Promise to make sure to do so.
This week, as the US turns its focus to GRATITUDE & THANKSGIVING, in what ways are you expressing gratitude, in public and private, for the bounteous blessings of life?
On social media, could this week be one of thankfulness instead of argument and opinion?
In private with a family member or friend, could we reach out and share some love and forgiveness?
With self, can we open the journal, read a few entries past, and see the gratitude for the life we have, even if the trials and challenges seem overwhelming at the moment?
The world needs your Promise to become your best self. We need Promise Level Leadership this very moment in our country. It begins with you, reader of this blog, to stand for something.
And if standing isn’t in order, then perhaps simply make the choice to close your eyes, bow your head, and pray over your food, even if in a business meeting.
What’s your Promise this Thanksgiving week?
Happy Thanksgiving my Friend.
~ Jason Hewlett
Husband, Father, Writer, Hiker, Coach
- Speaker Hall of Fame * Award-Winning Entertainer * Promise Legacy Coach
- World’s First & Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to teach the Power of Keeping Your Promise
- Founder of the Bunless Triple Patty Baconator Club (available only at Wendy’s drive-thru, along with heart monitor cuff test mandatory before ordering)
Author of “The Promise To The One”
12 Responses
My husband and I saw you perform a couple times at Lifevantage Conventions, and we absolutely loved your show. My husband passed away in October 2020 from a brain tumor. As I reflect this week about gratitude, I am grateful for 49 1/2 years of marriage to a wonderful man that loved me dearly, and that I loved and continue to love.
Thanks for your work to improve this world through humor and wisdom.
Kathy Criddle
Eugene, Oregon
Kathy, I’m grateful to know we could share laughs within the sacred half century of your union on earth before his passing. I am certain he is in the heavenly home watching over you and your family, and preparing for the reunion with you when the time is right. Many blessings and comfort at this time and always.
Nicely done, Raptor Man.
Love you brother!
I lives in the south for ten years and our family picked up this habit. Out west we don’t see many praying over their food a restaurants but we do it and it sustains the virtue of gratitude in our family at home or in public. Thanks for sharing this Jason.
Great thoughts Karl. I have noticed this as well, and feel it’s time to have this habit become commonplace in my life, and assume it will eventually catch on.
My commitment and promise is to reach out to honor and acknowledge the individuals I love and respect.
This year I sent out Thanksgiving cards rather than Christmas cards.
As I type this I know I will include you next year.
I am so grateful for the gift of knowing you and being connected to you —a total blessing.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Louise
Louise, I would love to be on that list with you. However, I feel like I already am, due to your continued support of these writings. I look forward to reading your thoughts on them and am thankful for you.
Great article! I used to be a lot better at praying before a meal and will start back!
I’m finishing up The Promise to the One; I don’t know why it took me so long to start it! It’s going to be my Christmas gift to SO many people this Christmas!! I heard you speak at the Workman Success Leverage meeting and you were fantastic! You are incredibly gifted!
Thank you for the messages that this world is in such need of hearing! Keep ‘em coming!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Cindy! This response is incredible. I love that you will begin praying on the meal in public again, as have I and it’s wonderful. And I’m thrilled you have opened my book. Your friends and colleagues are lucky to have you as a friend!
I always say a blessing before each meal I eat out.
And with certain friends, we always pray together before a meal.
Wonderful to know! You’re awesome.