Thought of the Sunday 13

Gratitude.  I don't think I could ever be more grateful than I am now.  But then, something else happens and I am even more grateful.  I love how that works because it shows me that Heavenly Father wants to give me great blessings and when I feel like He's given me the best blessing ever, He surprises me by giving me even more.  What a loving Father we all have.

Doctrine and Covenants 59:7 says, "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."  We are commanded to be grateful.  At many times in our lives I think this is easy.  It is easy to see the blessings and the results of keeping commandments.  Of course at other times it is more difficult; particularly at trying times.  The Guide to the Scriptures says that "As we cultivate a grateful attitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong."  It also says, "Gratitude is an uplifting, exalting attitude. People are generally happier when they have gratitude in their hearts. We cannot be bitter, resentful, or mean-spirited when we are grateful."  This, then, gives us a kind of guide for our attitudes.  If we are resentful, bitter, or mean, then we should probably work on being more grateful.  Likewise, if we feel that times are particularly tough, then it is probably time to review the things you are grateful for, from the best things ever to the mundane things in life.

President James E Faust said, "A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being."  I believe that having gratitude and showing that gratitude can help each of us to be more content with the life we have been given.  We can know that God loves us, will bless us, and continually keeps us in His thoughts.