I know - cliche. However, cliche, or not, expressing gratitude has a funny way of softening hearts and inviting the spirit - at least for me.
Recently I read somewhere: Imagine waking up one morning with only the things for which you gave thanks the previous evening.
For some reason that thought touched my heart deeply and has made my nightly prayers filled with more thanksgiving than asking. In doing so, I feel like the blessings I have received have been multiplied ten-fold. In fact, since focusing on my blessings, I have been given the priviledge of my mind being even more open to seeing blessings that I had not yet recognized. The spirit has been working on my heart through this process and I feel closer to my Heavenly Father. I just seem to "see" His Hand in my life just a little bit more clearly.
On that note I have noticed on Facebook that some of my "Friends" are posting a month a gratitude. I am going to have to play catch up, and list a few things to get from the first of the month to now. Then after that I will add to this post for the remainder of the month.
Day 1:I am grateful for prayer and for the ability to recognize answers that came so swiftly.
Day 2:Iam grateful for my ability to teach and that Heavenly Father is blessing me with opportunities to use this talent.
Day 3: I am grateful for a husband who is my best friend and supports me no matter what.
Day 4: I am grateful for a son who is honoring his good name.
Day 5: I am grateful for a daughter who has embraced her role as a wife and is becoming a woman in her own right.
Day 6: I am grateful for scriptures and their sweet words of hope.
Day 7:I am grateful for friends, who depsite the miles between us, are always there.
Day 8: I am grateful for wonderful parents and that we are Friends.
Day 9: I am grateful for modern day medicine and the skillful hands of a surgeon.
Day 10: I am grateful for modern technology and its ability to assist me in every aspect of my life.
Day 11: I am grateful for freedom that cost the blood of true heroes. Thank you to all of the Veteran's and their families who sacrifice more than they should ever have to.
Day 12:I am grateful for modern technology and its ability to assist me in every aspect of my life.
Day 13: I am grateful for a job that brings me joy and fulfillment.
Day 14: I am grateful for my sweet sunbeams and for being a recipient of their unconditional love.
Day 15:I am grateful for a grandmother who taught the joy of doing Family History.
Day 16: I am grateful for a grandmother who taught me the joy of needlework.
Day 17: I am grateful for rain especially because it happens so rarely here in the desert.
Day 18: I am grateful for memories
Day 19: I am grateful that I have been blessed with a love of learning and knowledge.
Day 20: I am grateful for scriptures and the spirit of calm reading them brings me.
Day 21: I am grateful for my husband
Day 22: I am grateful for cooler weather, finally!
Day 23: I am grateful for family traditions (Family dinners, annual beach trips, football games, etc.)
Day 24: I am grateful for holidays that bring friends and families close which reminds us of what is truly important.
Day 25: I am grateful for my love of reading.
Day 26: I am grateful for friends who call unexpectedly after many years and then ask if they can come for an extended stay. (And the answer was "Of Course!").
Day 27: I am grateful for Christmas and everything that comes with it - especially the decorating and baking.
Day 28: I am grateful for the beautiful sunrises I get to see every morning. (Oh, how I wish I had had a camera for this morning's Sunrise.)
Day 29: I am grateful for those rare quiet moments when you recognize that all is well and good with life.
Day 30: I am grateful for my testimony of the Restored Gospel. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and am humbled that He chose to fulfill His mission as the Savior for me and all of Heavenly Father's children.
