The Gift of Gratitude

I love this time of year, specifically this month of November where the attitude of gratitude seems to permeate the air. On Facebook, I have noticed that many of my friends post something they are thankful for each day as some sort of an homage to Thanksgiving. I read their posts and it reminds me of all that I have.

This is a wonderful time to be on earth! It's true that there is much wrong in the world, but there is also a lot that is good and much that we should all be thankful for. I immediately think of my parents who have had a 60 year marriage...no small fete. They have worked hard, loved each other, forgiven each other over and over and have loved their 4 kids. They set a great example for me and constantly inspire me to be better.

I see my sweet neighbor lady who lost her beloved a few years ago, take in her daughter, granddaughter and great grandchildren because the ravaged economy has left them without a place to live. In her "golden years", she is making sacrifices to help out, giving up her peaceful and tranquil existence for a life of certain chaos and confusion. But she does it because she loves her family.

I have friends who care about me...really care about my well-being and that of my daughter who lives by me. They pray for us and check on us often. I watch one of my *Littles* go to school everyday and see how her teacher has prepared a meaningful lesson for those precious pre-schoolers each time. She tries to really teach them the basics of reading, writing and arithmatic, but more importantly, she tries to teach them to become responsible citizens by learning simple manners and showing random acts of kindness.

The list goes on and on and on...

I love this quote... "When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of Thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives..." ~Gordon B. Hinckley

This has really inspired me to stop and reflect on the many, many things that I have to be grateful for. As my husband and I have experienced a major change in our life the past 6 months, in fact a complete 180 degree turn from where we thought we would be, I can't help but be grateful for all that has transpired! Has it been easy? Absolutely NOT! In fact, it has been one of the most difficult challenges in my life...but I am SO incredibly thankful that I gone through, and more importantly, survived this experience. We, as a couple, have become even closer, more humble and incredibly thankful for all of the tender mercies handed down to us from a loving God who has constantly watched over and protected us. My relationship with my Heavenly Father has become more intimate and precious. That, in and of itself, has made it all worth it.

In General Conference, Oct 2010, Pres. Thomas S. Monson said: "We can lift ourselves and others as well if we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that 'gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.'"

Gratitude is indeed a gift! It frees us up to be more productive and to share ourselves with others.

So to all of my Facebook friends, I extend a huge and heartfelt "Thank You" for expressing your gratitude each day this month. It lifts me and compels me to focus on all that I have and not worry about all that I think I don't have! As Brad and I are now turning yet another corner and our future is looking very bright I pray that I will always have the spirit of gratitude with me. God bless us all...