When I head to Rapid City, I normally take a route that takes me across the Red Shirt Table overlook in the Badlands National Park. (In one travel guide it called it one of the 50 most beautiful places in the world. And it is worth it!) Early on I decided to stop at the overlook when I drove past it. I stop and offer a simple prayer.

Some days, when the weather is bad, I stay in the truck and offer my prayer. Most days I walk around enjoying the view and praying. Sometimes I will walk down to the edge and sit for a while. It is a busy place in tourist season, but it is quiet most of the time during off season. I can spend time listening for the voice of God while I offer up prayers for the Lakota People, the Land, the center, — you get what I mean.

Today I stopped and opened the tail gate and soaked in the sun while I typed out a text message reply.

While sitting there I noticed how much trash was around the parking area. Fortunately, I had a roll of trash bags in my truck. I grabbed a bag and filled it while I prayed. I decided that just praying for something to happen was not enough. I decided to do something about it.

When I returned home, I saw a gentleman picking up trash along the fence but Holy Cross. I stopped and chatted with him and gave him some bags so that he could continue. I asked why he was doing it. His response was simply that it needed to be done.

Sometimes we need to put our prayers into action. It took only a few minutes to fill the bag and make the place look better. I made an impact. I am not telling you this to get a pat on the back. I want to encourage you to step up and DO something. Make a difference where you are right now.

God Loves you and so do I.