It isn’t surprising that we start thinking about all we are grateful for this time each year. My question for you – yes, you reading this – is simple: Why not think about what your are grateful for every day?

Our friend Ann Elliott tells a story about developing her own attitude of gratitude. Ann credits her alcoholic mother.

Mom would get drunk and forget to pick up Ann at school. After waiting and waiting Ann would finally find her way home.

Years later, she shrugged off her resentment at Mom’s irresponsibility and recognized a bad experience as a good lesson.’

Ann learned to take care of herself. She became resourceful – a can-do woman.

My own story is different. Responsible parents raised me. They taught by example. My mistakes – and there are a slew of them – were my fault.

Life and the Good Lord have taught me that mistakes are important. They teach us life’s tougher lessons. Everything has a consequence. You get away with nothing.

Setting aside a day of Thanksgiving is important for a divided nation. But all of our days should be Thanksgivings for the privilege of living in this bountiful land.

Our friend Rick Houcek asked what the most important day in my life was. The answer is simple. Today is my best day.

Rick agrees, He says you’ll get that same answer from him any day you ask.

“It’s not about what I’ve done or where I’ve been,” Rick says. “It’s about what I have yet to do. What I have the potential to become or create or achieve. Or who I have the opportunity to help next.”

Rick, like me, is a sports fan. We have both learned that, among pro athletes, the last year of their contract is often their best.

They extend themselves because they want that next contract and more money.

But what if there were no multi-year contracts? What if, in sports, every athlete got a 1-year contract and no more?

With that incentive, would they ever coast, ever slack off or have a bad day?

Their focus, diligence, energy, preparation and passion would have to remain high in every game. Next season’s contract comes with no guarantee. They must do well this year, this game, right now.

Whatever work you do, whatever you’re engaged in, how would you act if you only had a 1-day contract?

What would you do differently?

How would you plan your time, hour by hour, minute by minute, if you had to make today the most important day of your life?

What if tomorrow was not guaranteed until your performance today was over, earning you the right to another day?

Thinking about it, my life has always been a 1-minute contract – or no contract at all. No one ever gave me a guarantee and I’m grateful for that.

I’m grateful to God, my family, colleagues and friends. They tend to forgive my mistakes and stupidities. But I don’t expect them to forget them. I don’t either.

And that’s the point. Learn from yesterday and make today your best ever.

Next: An immigrant’s story

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