What’s on your bucket list?

Two weeks ago I went on a chapel sponsored event to the Grand Canyon with Airmen from several bases. It was an inspiring event, and I particularly enjoyed making a trek into the canyon. I chose to turn around at the 1.5 mile mark — a decision I did not regret as I discovered that it really is easier to go down than up the canyon.

On the final night of the event, several Airmen thought it would be neat to watch the sun rise over the canyon. Initially I declined, preferring to sleep in on a down day; however, at 4 a.m. as I was trying to sleep on a not-so-comfortable cot, I had a change of heart and decided to get up to see the sun rise.

So I’m thinking “Hey this can be a bucket list item for me.” I can forever say that I have seen the sunrise at the Grand Canyon. No, I can forever say that I sensed the glory of creation and the power of the Divine as I waited in silence on the verge of the great abyss that is the Grand Canyon … OK, perhaps a bit dramatic but I promise you this story will get better as times goes by.

So what’s on your bucket list? Are there some things you’d like to do, places to go, events to see, adventures to have that would make your tour at Luke complete? Maybe you would like to find a spouse, start a family, make rank, or run a marathon; there’s no limit to the things you can do in your life.

We tend to think of epic events to put on our bucket lists; things like skydiving, bungee jumping or climbing Mount Everest. But perhaps we should look at some items that, while not epic, can make a huge difference in our lives. Things like expressing appreciation or resolving a conflict, or developing some spiritual disciplines such as prayer or fasting. Perhaps your list should include growth in virtues such as prudence or fortitude.

I invite you to focus on the matters of the heart and soul that could make an eternal difference for your life and wellbeing.

Thanks for your service and sacrifice.