My lesson is based on this talk by President Thomas S. Monson, given just last month in General Conference, and titled "The Divine Gift of Gratitude."
I am sorry to say that even after many, many lessons where I started out begrudging/fearing/dreading the topic and ended up being incredibly thankful, and humbled to have been given the opportunity to learn and grow, I started the same cycle on this lesson. When will I learn? Probably about the same time I leave this Earth-at least I hope I learned the lesson by then!
"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love." President Thomas S. Monson, October 2010
I have been lengthening and deepening my own expressions of Gratitude over the past weeks as I have pondered and studying the words of President Monson. In doing so I have found myself lifted out of the depression that had begun pressing down upon my soul.
My life is chaotic and full of uncertanties right now, pretty much the opposite of how I like things. I have not been feeling deep gratitude for my circumstances or the path ahead of me recently. Instead I have been worrying, and full of anxious dread. As I have taken the time to express my gratitude out loud I have found a new joy in the blessings I have, instead of depression over all that I do not have, or will soon be leaving.
"Regardless of our circumstances each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings.
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."
President Thomas S. Monson, October 2010
I began with expressing more gratitude to my Father in Heaven in prayer, and the more I expressed thanks for, the more blessings kept coming to mind. Prayer began to stretch out before me, and my knees began to ache before I was ready to end my prayers of thanksgiving.
I then began to express my gratitude to others, first more sincerely to my family. They were moved, and deeply appreciative-most of the time. In the interest of keeping it real I will admit my three teenage boys were not always anxious to hear why Mom was thankful for them, or how I appreciated their help. But most of the times they were. My husband was taken aback when I sincerely expressed gratitude for little and big things he has been doing. He's working out of state right now, so sometimes those expresses take place via text message. And that works too, it doesn't all have to include eye contact.
"We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thoughts and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude."
President Thomas S. Monson, October 2010
People are happy to know you sincerely appreciate them, and their efforts. They can tell when you really mean it. And it touches their hearts, and makes their life just a little brighter. Try it, you'll see.
What are you thankful for? Who are you thankful for? Take a few minutes this week and ponder the rich blessings your life is filled with, not just what it's lacking. I think you'll be surprised at the bounty you find. I know I was.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment