The ONE easy spiritual thing you can start doing today (if you're not already).

I want to start a movement. And I'd love for you to join me. I promise this is not tough to do. It doesn't take much time at all, seconds really. It won't interfere with what you're doing. But I think, in its simplicity, it's one of the most profound spiritual practices of my day. 

Saying grace before meals.

I have a tiny dream that everyone who isn't already praying grace before meals will start, maybe even just before dinner. One more prayer a day! Imagine it! Or if you say grace as a family before dinner, maybe you add in grace before lunch at your desk, or at a restaurant, or in your car with your cheeseburger and fries. 

Just make the sign of the cross and pray this (or something like it), "Bless us O Lord and these, thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Gratitude in the abstract.

There is so much out there now about the importance of gratitude. And I appreciate that people are talking about it. But in what I have seen out in the world, mostly people are referring to just a general feeling of being thankful. So, for instance, when I am doing a TV workout and the fitness instructor suggests that I take a moment and express gratitude for something, he or she isn't talking necessarily about being grateful TO someone FOR something. I think they're just suggesting the expression of gratitude in the abstract.

Which is all fine, right? Being grateful is a good thing. Psychological research has shown that gratitude is associated with feelings of happiness, and helps people handle problems more effectively, have better relationships, and generally feel better about themselves. All terrific stuff.

I am grateful that, as a believer, I can experience those same benefits. But I'm not expressing gratitude for the food in the abstract. I'm expressing gratitude to God for the food I'm about to consume. 

Now I'm going to ask questions and answer them (which is funnier to do in person, but here goes).

Do I pray it every day?

Yes, I think I can safely say that this is a prayer I pray most often. It just comes out naturally now, so much so that sometimes when I start to pray a different prayer, my mind goes right to "Bless us O Lord," and I have to kind of shake it off and reorient. I even pray grace before snacks. Now I'm not suggesting everyone has to do that, but I genuinely feel like any time I am about to eat, it's a chance for me to thank God again. 

Do I pray it in public?

Yep. I make the sign of the cross and pray in restaurants or wherever I am. By myself or with Bob or a group. I understand it could make you feel self-conscious, but here's how I look at it. First, most people are not paying attention to what I am doing at all. It's like going to the gym. People might notice you, but they are generally way more focused on what they're doing to care about what I'm doing. Second, if someone does notice it, what is the harm? If my making the sign of the cross signals "Catholic" I'm okay with that. And if it makes someone's mind turn even a tiny bit toward God, that's not a bad thing. 

Do I pray it when I'm with people who don't pray?

Yes. It can sometimes cause one awkward second, but then it's over. For instance, if I'm at a restaurant with friends, when the food comes usually there is a little pause, and that's when I'll just bow my head, make the sign of the cross, and pray silently. And then we just eat! 

Do I really make my dog say grace?

Okay, you got me. Yes. And no. Riley is a dog and doesn't pray. But in some dog training circles it is recommended to have your dog "do something" to earn his/her food. So since he was a puppy I have had him sit or lie down and just wait a few seconds before I give him his bowl. And I do say (or sometimes sing) the dinner prayer because I am asking God to bless us and these gifts that he has provided. Try not to judge. Or totally steal this idea. 

I think a lot of people are looking for some simple ways to get a little closer to God every day. And while this might seem like a little frivolous thing, I hope you decide to try it. If you're already a grace-before-meals-pray-er I hope you encourage someone in your life to give it a go. 

It's nearly time for lunch.