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.