oday, it is November. What good timing. We had a really good talk in Relief Society about counting our blessings this morning. It was the perfect lesson to usher in this month of giving thanks.Gratitude is such a basic concept. It is "a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings or benefits we have received. As we cultivate a grateful attitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong. We should regularly express our gratitude to God for the blessings He gives us and to others for the kind acts they do for us."
It's hard for me to keep it in the forefront of my mind, especially when I'm having weekly pity parties. I know I'm not the only one.
In an Relief Society lesson last week, a sister said that she had a really crappy birthday. Home with sick kids. Husband at work all day. No real celebration. If you ask me, she had plenty of reasons to feel sorry for herself. And, by her own admittance, she did. Then someone said to her something to the affect of, "You have the greatest job in the world. You get to be a stay-at-home mom and take care of those boys when they're sick."Do you smell a silver-lining moment?
I did.
The Glad Game isn't all hype.
Like, when your kid spills milk all over the freakin' floor for the 4th time that day, take a deep breath and be grateful that you can afford milk. Or that you have a floor. Or that you even have a kid! Some people would kill for that slopped on floor. (Believe me, I'm laser-beaming this into my brain as I type. I have much to work on.)
I once heard that the best way to recognize your blessings is to write them down so you could visually see how good you've got it. We did just that in R.S. and I suggest you give it a try.
Our teacher ended her talk with the awesome 4th verse to Count Your Many Blessings:
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Today, my visual reminder is this, or rather, her:
My baby sister. She's staying with us until Thanksgiving and I am SO GLAD.
I hate you.
ReplyDeleteOur Bishop bore his testimony in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. His was very simple and to the point. He said you cannot be happy if you are ungrateful. How true is that? That has been on my mind. Thanks for your blog. It summed everything up for me but gave me more to think about but in a good way.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nichelle. And amen Bishop!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, you know you love it with every fiber of your being.
It is really good to try and look for the silver lining. It really helps keep you positive. Thanks for this great reminder!
ReplyDeleteIm glad your sister is staying with you! Thats a great way to enjoy the season, someone to bake with, do crafts with.. and someone else to share dish duty with! :) Sometimes... that silver lining is really really small!! But at least its there :)
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