Gratiarum actio, the “act of thanks.” Before every meal we give thanks for it and each other. When you do this for all of your life, how can you not take it for granted?

Just because you may utter the same phrase over and over the years, doesn’t mean you do not believe what it is that you are saying, but do you take the time out to think and reflect on what it is that you are saying?

Every time we say grace, I am reminded of how far the Lord has brought me. All the meals that I ate. The times when I couldn’t eat it. The times when I didn’t have anything to eat. The times when I couldn’t afford to eat.

I remember when I started this whole M. Nicholson Hip Hop Fitness journey. My son and I were in an apartment in New Albany, Ohio. I was trying to save up everything thing that I could to open up my own gym space; that was the Johnstown Rd location. I cut out expenses here and there, one of those expenses was my food costs. There were quite a few days that I missed several meals myself because I wanted to make sure my child was able to eat. He ate very well, I must add. There were a few times that he noticed I wasn’t eating, and he expressed concern. During these moments, he would push his plate over to me to share his meal. Tears would well up in my eyes because it was in these moments that I saw the type of man that he would turn out to be.

Those moments with my son is one of the reasons why I take offense when people try or have stolen from, disrespected, belittled, try to destroy, and lie about my dream. They don’t know what it took even to make it happen. That’s the pride I have in it.

So when I say grace, I’m giving thanks for provision. I am reflecting on from where I came and from whence I came. I am thinking about where I am now, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to share this dream with so many others. It’s not just words; it’s a reminder. #mnhhf #mnicholsonhiphopfitness #evandertherealdeal #cbushiphopfitness #grace #blessing