In Gratitude

It is Thanksgiving week, and the country counts its many blessings. However, over the years I have come to appreciate that gratitude is a key to so many things. I have learned that gratitude is a key to personal revelation. It is an antidote for fear and depression. Gratitude is a portal to having the Spirit of the Lord as a constant companion.

There is a great miracle in being grateful for every moment, for every learning, for every experience. Imagine the strength and insight that comes from being grateful in a trial!

Many years ago during a time in my life that was rather dark, I was prompted by the Spirit to "Pray without ceasing in gratitude". What ensued was an amazing spiritual experience, where I was prompted over and over by the Spirit for those things I should be grateful for. I will never forget that night of praising God for Brahms, Mozart, and Beethoven; telephones, friends and loved ones, fresh water, warm beds, and the safety of my home.

To that list I would add the following:

I am grateful for a merciful Savior, whose love never fails.
For children who love in spite of my weakness.
For friends who miraculously appear when I need them.
For God's grace and tender mercies.
For sufficient for my needs, and then some.
For the struggle of self-discovery.
For the quiet whisper of the Spirit.
For the chastisement of a loving God.
For the ability to stretch spiritually.
For the inspiration of a living Prophet.
For the Book of Mormon.
For a missionary daughter.
For each day that brings sunlight and air.
For the safety of my valley.
For the blessing of a kind husband.
For the beauty of music, especially that of the human voice.
For the miracles of technology.
For the colors of nature.
For laughter.
For tears.
For unending perfect love.