On that note, today's topic is Gratitude. I think I already mentioned that I feel very guided in how I do this blog. The idea for this post came to me on Thursday. As I mentioned last Monday, this is the time of year that the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake speak to all of us all over the world. Last weekend was just for the women and this weekend was for everyone. I couldn't believe how many of the speakers talked about both joy and gratitude. It was amazing. I took notes as best as I could, but it's hard with two little ones running around begging to be played with and read stories to. But repeatedly, I felt very strongly that "gratitude" was the best topic for today.
Like service, gratitude forces us to rise above ourselves and notice the rest of the world. And anything that does that, helps us to close our eyes on our own worries and concerns and opens them to whatever joy surrounds us. Sometimes I have a hard time shutting off negative thoughts in the middle of the night. One method I've used to find peace (and hopefully sleep) is to list off as many things as I can think of to be grateful for. I've never run out of things to list. The best part of being grateful is the revelation of love that comes with it. Love from the people in our lives and all they are doing for us and most especially, love from our Heavenly Father as evidenced by the abundant blessings in each life. And feeling loved is one of the greatest sources of joy.
Some of the things I am grateful for include (not necessarily in order of importance):
- A loving Father in Heaven
- The life and Atonement of Jesus Christ
- My faith
- My amazing HH who has never ending patience with me in all my struggling
- My adorable and healthy children
- Wonderful parents and siblings
- Fantastic in-laws
- A healthy body
- Gooey brownies
- Sunsets
- Laughter
- Girl friends
- Autumn
- An amazing and beautiful country where I am free to do and say as I believe
- Music of all kinds
One final thought on gratitude--Express it! Who hasn't had a bad day completely turned around by someone else's expression of gratitude? Doesn't it make you feel so much better when someone is thankful for you or what you did? And there is a lot of joy to be found in making someone else feel appreciated. Those of you have expressed gratitude to me for doing this blog have given me so much. You've made me feel better about my efforts and you've encouraged me to keep it going, even though I feel very inadequate to the task at times. And you've brought a smile to my face. So, thank you!
What are you grateful for? How does being grateful help you? How do you find gratitude in the midst of hard times?
4 comments:
What an awesome post! I am so grateful to be alive. When I was in Labor with Isaiah I had to have an emergency c-section and ended up almost dying. The doc even came out and told my husband and mother that they didn't know if I would ever wake up. And the last thing I remember thinking was..."Lord it's all in your hands now, if it's my time it's my time!" And ever since that day, I am constantly reminded how good it is to be alive and to be a mommy. I am so grateful for my beautiful children, for my unending Faith, for my unbelievably understanding husband, my awesome mama, and most importantly for Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who died on the cross so we could be forgiven of our sins and one day live with him again. Also I am grateful for Cheryl and all the work she does on this blog. Some days...it's what gets me going and helps me be grateful. Thank you! And my children help me find gratitude in hard times, Isaiah has said to me, "mama it's ok to be sad and cry...here's a kleenex, I love you."
I am grateful that Heavenly Father has trusted me with two of his Choisest Spirits. I have two beautiful daughters that He has allowed me to have in my life. Does it get any better than that?
When I have a hard time feeling gratitude and thankfulness for my blessings--or when I just can't see or feel my blessings, I make it a point in my morning or evening prayers to only thank Heavenly Father for my blessings. I don't ask for anything, just thank Him for all He does for me. It really puts things into perspective for me and the next day is always better!
I want to start by thanking you, Cheryl, for starting this blog. I am grateful to be able to read your ideas and insights. Every time I log on I learn more. I am sure it takes time and energy to put this together and I want you to know that I'm grateful for what you started. Please don't stop!!
Next, I want to thank other readers for the comments they make. I get a lot of new thoughts from them also. In fact, I think we all benefit from what we share with each other. I am also appreciative for the anonymous tag which makes it easier to share some thoughts and feelings.
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW! Another great post! THANK YOU!
Here's a quote from Pres. Thomas S. Monson to go along with your blog, from a talk entitled An Attitude of Gratitude:
"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right... We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.
Let us reflect gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where does my spirit go when I die?
He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live... His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved.
Who was this Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief? Who is this King of glory, this Lord of hosts? He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the author of our salvation. He beckons, “Follow me.” (Matt. 4:19.) He instructs, “Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:37.) He pleads, “Keep my commandments.” (John 14:15.)
Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude."
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