Inmates and Gratitude

Yesterday I heard an awesome story about gratitude. I met a couple at a book signing and we had the best discussion about the rewards of having a grateful heart.

The husband of this couple used to work in the jail systems of Salt Lake County. He met with inmates regularly. One day he gave the inmates a challenge. He told them that during the next week they were to only say prayers of gratitude. He pointed out that if they had been praying, their prayers were most likely focused on things like; "please let the judge go easy on me....", etc. He told the inmates to expect the challenge to be difficult at first, and their prayers would probably be very short; but they should keep at it and they would discuss their experiences the following week.

One man had been in jail multiple times for DUI's and other drug charges. He was the first to report his results. Weeks before, he had added his name to a list hoping to be entered into a drug program for inmates similar to the AA program. Weeks went by without having his name called to attend the class. He had given up on ever having that opportunity. Towards the end of the gratitude challenge, a Warden stepped into the room where inmates were gathered and called his name to invite him to the class. He was amazed because there were still many names in front of his on the list. He couldn't explain what made the Warden flip through the pages on the clipboard and call his name.

I heard a handful of other stories about the inmates from this couple that were just as remarkable. It appears hearts were changed during that exercise and blessings followed.

Before this couple left, they told me they had recently lost their jobs. They are in their 50's and concerned about what is next for them. I was surprised to hear their news because their demeanor was peaceful and we had just had this great conversation about gratitude. I'm so impressed with them, and how they are choosing to face this trial.

As they continue to focus on the abundance in their life while they face this hardship, I'm sure doors will open for them. I hope to run into them again one day to discover (as my mother-in-law would say) what good will come from this.

What good will come into our lives as we tune into gratitude? Count your blessings....your mood will change! :) What a great time of year to do this! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!