Four Ways

Recently in Mormon Times, Orson Scott Card referenced a sacrament talk given in his ward. Since it was the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the brother giving the closing talk was assigned gratitude. He told the congregation to take each of the four days remaining before Thanksgiving to think about different ways you've been blessed.

I know it's Christmas and not Thanksgiving anymore, but I tend to feel gratitude just as much during this month as I did the last. To quote Card: "there's no expiration date on gratitude." Recognizing what we are grateful for can also help us be more willing to serve others and become truly like our Savior; which is one of the reasons for Christmas--to remind us to be more like Him. So, take a few minutes over the next few days and ponder how you've been blessed in the following ways:

1. How Heavenly Father, Christ, and Holy Ghost have blessed your life: This could be a whole post and/or blog within itself. I wouldn't be the woman I am today with the love of my Heavenly Father, example of my Elder Brother, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
2. How members of your family have blessed your life: My Dad provided, presided and protected our family. No matter what decision he (and my mom) made, he did it for the good of the family. He honors his priesthood and sets a good example for everyone around him. He'll be the last to tell you this because he'll think he didn't do well at all---he's incredibly humble. And because he did this I looked for those qualities in a husband and I was lucky enough to find it in Greg.
3. How your friends have impacted your life: When I look back at the decisions I've made, I've been able to see who my true friends are; they are the people who always stick by you, no matter what, to help you see just how loved you are---even if they don't like your choice. I've been blessed to have those kind of friends become my family.
4. How other church members and leaders have blessed you: Other church members help us strengthen our own testimonies; if that wasn't true we wouldn't have this blog, auxiliary programs or callings. We provide each other service, love and support. We help each other through the highs and the lows of mortality because we know what we're striving for.

I hope, through my little thoughts, that I help someone as much as ya'll have helped me.