I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need to remember to count my blessings. About a month ago, I was in Hong Kong and disaster struck me. I had left my briefcase in the trunk of a taxicab and up till now, it has not been recovered. Disaster you may ask? You see, I had in my briefcase my laptop computer, my cell phone, my digital camera, my ipod, all my paperwork, a couple of thousand dollars and my United States Passport.

I was scheduled to leave for home in a few days, and I had Signing Events starting a few days past that. Needless to say, I was sickened at my own foolishness and lack of attention, not to mention my loss. What panicked me the most was the loss of my passport, as replacement can take a long time and I absolutely had to get home.

After only a very few hours of fitful sleep, I woke up the next morning at 4:30am, reminded of what they say at my church each week…”we count 5 blessings…”. I sat up in bed and aloud easily counted 5 blessings, realizing life wasn’t so bad for me after all. (I am thinking a “Blessings Fairy” will be on my drawing board for one of my future Fairies.)

A few nights earlier, while shopping in Hong Kong, I bought on the street a Chinese style shirt just for fun. I decided to wear it after my “5 blessings revelation” and told my associates that I decided to start dressing like the locals because I just might become a Hong Kong native without my U.S. passport.

I often speak of the greatness of our country, and the United States Embassy in Hong Kong was great. They treated me like royalty and got me a new passport in only 2 hours, allowing me to travel back home on time.

While on my 2008 Signing Tour, I found another excellent example of giving thanks and counting our blessings, and I will share that amazing story with you next week. I know you will be moved by the story I will be sharing with you.

Happy Thanksgiving!