Gratitude

In Sacrament meeting there were two fantastic talks today. With the time of year they were naturally related to gratitude. Both referenced President Monson's conference address, The Divine Gift of Gratitude. I decided to read this talk again and thoroughly enjoyed the instruction given by the Prophet.

A couple of thoughts that stood out to me included giving thanks for what we do have rather then what we are lacking. President Monson references with this the story of the multitude that was fed with 7 loaves and a few fishes as found in Matthew. "And Jesus commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes and gave thanks and brake them, and gave to his disciples and the disciples to the multitude." President Monson said "Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had - and the miracle followed." Sometimes this can be a hard thing to do. In a world of instant gratification it is easy to get caught up on what we don't have.

President Monson said "This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways.

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. 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.”

President Monson said: A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don’t get around to it. Someone has said that “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” Wow, I have been guilty of this on more then one occasion. My thanks to my family and friends who have been there for me through the most difficult times of my life.

I am grateful for those that are positive influences in my life. I hope to cultivate in my heart an attitude of gratitude especially in difficult times. As I struggled through divorce there were those who were angels in my life. I will forever be grateful to Bobbie Lake, Kathy Schatz, Gloria Marlowe, Amanda & Jeff Jackson, Michelle Adams, President and Sister Sweeney, President Hartman, President Padgett, Dave Thompson, Sharon Friddle and many more of my dear friends in Florida who were there when I needed it most. The surprise visits, the phone calls, the help with kids, the kind words. I knew that the Lord was aware of me and my children. The help has continued in Cedar City through family and a few new friends that have been tremendous. I love you all and am so grateful for the love you have given to me and to Natty, Jack and Andy.

One final thought from President Monson. "When we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often difficult for us to focus on our blessings. However, if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given." I am so thankful for the Savior who has been my greatest friend and strength. In my most difficult and lowest times I was reassured of his love for me. I know that he lives and I am grateful for that knowledge.