GRATEFUL IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be. Have we not reason to be filled with gratitude regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves?

-Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Grateful in Any Circumstances

without fail, shortly after general conference ends, i find myself presented with a trial or decision or circumstance that requires me to use what i learned in conference. i think of it as Heavenly Father's way of testing me to see if i was really listening to what He wanted me to hear. earlier this month, elder uchtdorf's talk really resonated with me, and so here i am, trying to be thankful in the midst of disappointment and a few difficult days. nothing major, just the usual things that get me down- only this time, i'm going to try and stay up, because really, there's so much to be happy about and grateful for.

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i'm thankful for my wonderful hubby. i'm grateful for his sense of humor and for all the hard work and studying he does for our family.

i'm thankful for our temple sealing in the san diego temple. i'm thankful for the reassurance that being an eternal family brings to the hard times in my life. 

i'm thankful to be a mother. i'm thankful for luc and his happy, adventurous personality. i'm thankful for his hugs and kisses and clever mannerisms that keep me smiling. 

i'm thankful for my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. i love the gospel with all my heart and i know that everything i am and everything i have is because of my Savior and my Heavenly Father. 

i'm thankful for my parents and brothers and dear friends who love and support me, and who have made me a better person. 

i'm thankful for my good health, energetic able body, and clear mind. 

i'm thankful for the opportunities i've had, and continue to have, to learn new things, to be well educated and pursue subjects i am interested in and passionate about. 

i'm thankful for our wonderful experience in cleveland these past three years. we have been immeasurably blessed here!

i'm thankful for sunny days, walks to the park, ice cream, and early morning snuggling, all three of us. words can't describe how thankful i am for the countless precious memories i'm making with my little family. 

i'm thankful that even though some days are rough, the truly excellent days far outnumber the difficult ones.