We, as children of God, have always been commanded to give thanks. We have so much to be thankful for. First and foremost, we are thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We honor Him as our Master, Redeemer, Advocate, and Friend. We are thankful for prophets and apostles, of all generations, whose words and examples teach and inspire us. We are grateful for the scriptures and for commandments, which free us rather than bind us. We are grateful for the Holy Ghost, who warns us of danger, testifies to us of the truthfulness of the gospel, and comforts us in times of need. We are grateful for our bodies, which are miraculous. I could go on and on and on.
These are important blessings to be thankful for, but let us not forget to also be thankful for the little blessings we receive each day: a walk with a friend, a smile from a stranger, an opportunity to help someone, a kind word between siblings, a chat with a parent, the sound of birds chirping in the early morning, a good night’s sleep, a blue sky, and maybe even getting that premier parking spot when it’s pouring rain. Being thankful is our sweet acknowledgement of the Lord’s hand in our lives.
Elder Wirthlin once said: “Those who live in thanksgiving daily are usually among the world’s happiest people. And they make others happy as well.” President Monson once said: “We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.” And President Hinckley taught: “Let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless your days and nights. Work at it. You will find that it will yield wonderful results.”
Now, what about the principle of being grateful in **ALL** things?
In a talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, he explained “The revelations, for which we are grateful, show that we should give thanks for even our trials because they turn our hearts to God and give us opportunities to prepare for what God would have us become.”
So, we should even give thanks for our afflictions and struggles because they turn our hearts to God and the strengths we develop in overcoming those challenges will be with us in the eternities to come. When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life. We are sent here to be tested. There must be opposition in all things. We are meant to learn and grow through that opposition. And having a thankful heart, in any situation, brings peace and happiness.
I decided long ago that when I get beyond the veil, the struggles, adversities, and afflictions I have suffered through and with on earth might be among my greatest friends for they brought me to God. They brought me to my Savior. It is my testimony that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift us to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. Our Savior lives. He is real. He is close to us. He will walk with us through the good times as well as the bad. I’ve had many experiences, like you have had, in times of challenge, adversity, sorrow, and affliction where the Savior has been with me. He has been by my side – lifting me and enabling me to make it through one day at a time and even one hour at a time….and for that I am grateful.
Stacy Berglund
Sundial Ward
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