"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
Today's lesson in relief society was about Christ's life and during the lesson my mind wandered to the women/men I am so grateful for. The acts of service that have been done for our family, and me, are too many to list. So this post is dedicated to you who have loved us:
Mom: you have given countless clothes, food, groceries, toilet paper, treats, cards and pez dispensers to us. The kids know you love them. Taking time to be with us means a lot. We will never be able to fully express our appreciation for your kindness and love.
Dad: your willingness to always serve US when you come to visit, instead of letting us do anything for you is remarkable. The shelves, beds, washing cars and the garage, putting cloth diapers together, sweeping our floor and taking the trash out, not to mention dinners and French toast breakfasts all show what kind of man you are. You are a great example of what the Savior is trying to teach us-to serve each other.
Adrienne: you have taught me so much about life and motherhood. You love being a mother and that example has helped me to love being a mother. Your insight on the gospel is invaluable to me. Yours and Bryant's love for us and in the ways you have helped us during the years we have been married make me cry in gratitude.
Chari: I love that we learn together! You are a constant reminder to me of hard work and motherhood. You are a graceful mother and I'm always trying to catch up to the amount of grace you possess.
Roberta: I love that you are still one of my best friends. I love that we can talk and ask all kinds of questions and learn and grow from each other.
Shannon: Countless hair cuts! I also appreciate how much you love our kids and love us. I can't wait to love yours just as much!
Maryn: I love you for being you. I am thankful you want to be my friend and are so sincere.
Cara: I love that I can completely be myself around you. I love laughing with you and you are one of my best friends!
Carla: I have learned how to take care of my family's health because of you. Your insight on caring for our bodies has made me study and learn so much about God's creations-plants and animals-and appreciate the resources we have been given to make and keep our bodies in the healthiest state they can be in on Earth. It has also helped me recognize just how capable our bodies really are.
Obviously there are many more people who have blessed my life. But for today, the last person to thank is Jordan: I love you. You are the best example of a righteous father. You take care of all of our needs. You never seem to grow tired of doing things around the house and of taking care of the kids and me. The amount of faith you have never ceases to amaze me and I'm constantly trying to be a better wife, mother and person because of you. Thank you for trusting me to take care of our family. Thank you for trusting in my ability to receive revelation. You selflessly give. Your discernment is always correct-it is amazing. You are amazing and I love you!
I'm also thankful for the Plan of Happiness, that I know our family can be together forever, and for the atonement. All of those things add to my love of motherhood and of life on Earth. I know there is a plan for each of us!
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-divine-gift-of-gratitude?lang=eng&query=Gratitude
XOXO
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