A Word About Gratitude ....

This week was Teacher Appreciation Week at school. The kids were encouraged to do nice things for their teachers this week. Jessica really got into the spirit. She wrote lovely notes to her teacher and also wanted to give her gifts and flowers. I was touched by her thoughtfulness. One of my friends had this quote on her blog --

"Walk with gratitude in your hearts, my dear friends. Be thankful for the wonderful blessings which are yours. Be grateful for the tremendous opportunities that you have. Be thankful to your parents, who care so very much about you and who have worked so very hard to provide for you. Let them know that you are grateful. Say thank you to your mother and your father. Say thank you to your friends. Say thank you to your teachers. Express appreciation to everyone who does you a favor or assists you in any way. Thank the Lord for His goodness to you." -- Gordon B. Hinckley

I haven't always had a grateful heart. In fact, when I was younger, I took many things for granted. As I've gotten older, I think I've become a much more grateful person. My moments of gratitude happen most when it's quiet and I'm by myself, when I listen to inspiring music or watch inspiring movies/shows, when I'm outside enjoying nature or when I'm doing fun things with my family. It use to be easy for me to get discouraged and think of the things that are going wrong or how I wanted my life to be different. I really had to work on changing this frame of mind that seemed embedded in my framework. I had to and still need to constantly discipline myself into remembering all my blessing on a daily basis.

I challenge you today to make some time to be grateful for at least 3 things in your life. Appreciate them and vow not to take them for granted. Live in thanksgiving daily! My three things --

1. My wonderful family and a merciful Heavenly Father for providing a way for me to be with them eternally.
2. This beautiful world that we live in -- The trees, flowers, warm weather, stars in the sky at night...
3. For my health and the health of those I love.