Yours Mine and Ours

Soap Box Sunday

We had a very powerful lesson in relief society yesterday on gratitude. The lesson started off listing off people who we knew were truly happy and then another list of people who were unhappy. After much discussion we came to the conclusion that the stark difference between people who are truly happy and those who are not is gratitude.

Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the twelve apostles said “Gratitude is a state of appreciation, an act of thanksgiving, which causes us to be humble because we recognize an act of kindness, service, or caring from someone else which lifts us and strengthens us.” Conversely, he said “Ingratitude is the attitude of being unaware or not recognizing when someone has assisted us or helped us or, even worse, when we know we have been helped and have not given thanks privately or publicly.”

What struck me the most in this lesson was a point on entitlement, how often do we say to ourselves “why is this happening to me” or “I’ve done everything I’m supposed to” or “this isn’t fair”. I have often heard myself say these things as if I’m entitled to something better or as if what I have isn’t good enough. This is how Satan wants us to feel because we become so blinded by our selfishness that we forget how blessed we are which ultimately leads to unhappiness.

I have been the recipient of countless blessing, enumerable services and acts of kindness. I would be remised if I didn’t say how appreciative I am for my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ for all the blessing I enjoy in my life. I am incredibly thankful for our families who have helped us in so many ways!! I am thankful for the people who positively influence and shape our children’s lives. I am grateful to the mothers of our children who work hard to provide for them and who affectionately care for them. I am grateful to my son who has taught me not only to love but what true joy is. I am grateful for my Husband who has gone without so many times so that I don’t have to, who always puts my needs first, and who loves me unconditionally. He has been an incredible example to me in so many things and I am very grateful to have him in my life!