I recently read one of President Monson's talks from this past conference. In it, he said this:
"Said the Lord in a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, “In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.”10 May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.
Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed" (Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Joy in the Journey,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87).
-I'm thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I'm thankful for my testimony of the truths it teaches. I'm thankful to be able to feel the spirit and to know that it is indeed God's true church on the earth today.
-I am blessed with a wonderful family. Aaron is such an amazing husband and companion. I love him and I love my children. Parks and Maddie are quite possibly the best children on earth. There are days I could stand to be separated from them, but I really would be lost without them.
-My family is such a strength to me. My parents are fabulous. There has not been a day in my life that I haven't felt love and support from them. They are truly exemplars of what parents should be. Likewise, my brothers and their wives complete our family. I can't imagine growing up in a household without my 4 brothers. Not only was it fun, but now we have friendships that will last forever. Their spouses have become my sisters, and I am grateful to have 4 of them.
-I am also thankful for my family-in-law. They feel just like family to me. I'm truly blessed to have another family just for marrying Aaron and to have a whole other support system and place to call home. We will be able to spend today with them and I am thankful for all they add to our lives. I'm thankful for aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins who complete our family and give us their love.
-I'm thankful that Aaron works hard that that all of our needs are met. There has not been a day of our lives that we've gone hungry, or had need of clothing or shelter. What a blessing when there are so many in this world that go without.
-I'm grateful to have good health. Despite this whole "chronic illness" thing I have remained very healthy. The MS continues to stay hidden for the most part and I'm grateful that my body is remaining strong. I'm grateful that I'm able to run and exercise and utilize my body. What a blessing that is. I'm actually going out to run a Thanksgiving 5K in just a few minutes. Yay!
-I'm thankful that I'm able to stay home and teach and rear my children. What a blessing it is to know that I'm able to provide them the home they need. I am blessed to share my life with them and to be able to serve them.
-I'm blessed to have friends and mentors around me who love and support me. I've been able to come in contact with a number of amazing people throughout my life who have affected me profoundly. Each one has touched my life and made me a better person. How grateful I am for others who serve me and help me through this life's journey.
And I'll leave it at that. What a wonderful day we have to reflect on what's truly important in life. Again from President Monson:
"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."
May we all find joy in this day. Happy Thanksgiving!
1 comment:
Amen to all you said, and one more: We are all so blessed to have you in our lives. We can do anything in this very frightening world if we all stick together and remember our blessings.
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