I started the day early with a cup of coffee. I went to the refrigerator for creamer and on the door of the fridge is a picture of our grandson, Landon. There he is with a big smile giving a thumbs up. I found my creamer and as the door closed, I gave him a thumbs up. I sent him my love and said a prayer for him.
Our grandson, Landon, is in his first week of Boot Camp for the Marines. It was not the path I would have chosen for him but it’s what he chose. Of course, we are proud of him and support him. We honor his desire to serve.
Lately Landon started giving a thumbs up as both a greeting and farewell. The pictures you see on this blog are examples of Landon’s thumbs up.
I didn’t think much about that gesture until we started going through pictures as he was getting ready to leave for Parris Island. If you know Landon, you would know that gesture is a good symbol for him. A thumbs up is offered as a sign of agreement or encouragement. It is a way of saying yes. It was the last gesture he offered as he rode away from home.
I started to think about the challenges he will face in the weeks ahead. I decided to use these 12 weeks while he is at Boot Camp to challenge myself. If Boot Camp is supposed to make soldiers stronger and better I thought that maybe I could find ways to improve myself. I came up with theThumbs Up Challenge.
Basically, there are three components of this challenge for every day. The first begins with attitude. At the start of each day begin with a thumbs up. This is a way to express gratitude and approach the opportunities and challenges of the day in a positive way. The second is the physical component. Each day, do something that makes you stronger and healthier. Finally, the spiritual aspect is there to strengthen the core of who you are. Each day find a verse or quote that inspires you.
This started as a family challenge but if you are looking for an opportunity to improve and grow, I welcome you to join us.
This morning I started my own Thumbs Up Challenge with a run. As I was making my way around our neighborhood, a school bus came by as I was struggling up a hill. The driver of that bus is a friend of mine and had his window open. As he went by I waved and he replied with a thumbs up.
There it was, a sign. I smiled, thought of Landon, and picked up the pace.
Thumbs up!
EnSpirit 