Greatfully List

I have been practicing the application of my 'Greatfully List'. How many things can I find to be grateful for in 15 minutes or less? It's like speed reading with an infinite payoff if I can master the art of meditation and find my way to gratefulness. I'm of the mind this could be a valuable tool in overcoming bitterness so I can return home a better man. Frankly, it is an important piece of mental and physical health, and it becomes more important as a man ages. This Greatfully List is brought to you by the Married Felon in federal custody. These are the things I am most grateful for this week:

1) A God-centered marriage between a man and woman who are both intensely aware of the grace needed to survive one another over these several decades.

2) A surety of salvation that occupies my mind and its (the Holy Spirit) relentless advance of joy thrust upon my soul, even while in prison, especially while in prison truthfully.

3) The assurance that mine is a sentence that may be burdensome but certainly survivable.

4) Good health to last my incarceration.

5) The opportunity to overcome this burden and the strength to endure.

6) The practice of meditation though I am new to the art and making progress daily.

7) To be reacquainted with my commitment to share my joy, struggles, and frustrations, no matter the complexity or devastation, with the woman I love and to never tire of this obligation.

8) To affirm my character as a man who does what he says and walks a path of faith regardless of the dangers of this world.

9) To affirm my belief that a man must be strong and this includes relying on a bride who is the equal piece in the jigsaw of their lives, both in times of joy when they thrive and in the depth of despair where each must be a compliment to the other.

10) To learn of my shortcomings, or blind spots, with an open mind and willingness to correct, overcome and improve.

11) A self-awareness that some have likened to a superpower, where I'm able to identify my moments of self-deception and its crippling effects on a healthy lifestyle, and the willingness to embrace these moments of clarity and work towards an improved me.

12) An unapologetic approach to prayer; that moment I realized I do not have the inclination to beat around the bush and simply come out with it immediately.

13) I have never witnessed a white Christmas, and I have a better-than-average chance of experiencing the fabled Christmas in white after all.

14) A level-headed realization that I'd not change anything in this journey, I fear more what I'd miss in learning about myself, faith, and God than avoiding the pain in the first place.

15) I am thankful for those who stuck with me from the beginning.

16) My brother reminds me to practice my faith without complaint, be steadfast, and have a grateful heart toward the God we worship.

17) A home for the ones I love and which is full of hope and pride as all patiently wait for this man to come home, and it is a privilege to serve this family.

18) The woman I love who makes it easy to be grateful in all things, including acceptance of the prison experience, and a way to find a measure of meditation that is comforting to me and easy to share with her.

19) My continued relationship with nieces and nephews.

20) The discipline and ability to take another step towards the next day, and then again and again until I find myself released from federal custody.