A couple of weeks ago I had the unfortunate experience of being away from my wife and kids for three weeks while I transitioned into a new job in a different part of the state. I know some of you think a three week break might seem like the chance for you to sit around in your chones and watch Sportscenter until your eyes are glazed over, and I admit I had that thought as well albeit briefly. After a very short period of time (I know I know, I'm soft) I couldn't help but think about my family and how I missed every last one of them. As time dragged on I started missing the noises, the slamming doors, the arguing kids, even the digging dogs.
One night while wallowing in self pity and lost in my thoughts of my family I decided to write down all of the things that I am grateful for. I am going to share with you the things that came to mind, so without further delay here is the list:
My wife, my kids, the love of my family, the opportunity to have a job and support them, my family's health, their safety, the ability to learn, the opportunity to better myself each day mentally, spiritually, and physically, my parents, my siblings, my nephews, good friends, the beautiful world we live in, my Savior, the Gospel, the Scriptures, prayer, the promptings of the spirit, the chance to serve, Repentance, a loving God, My Testimony.
After coming up with the list I was pretty impressed with myself. Upon further review however, I realized how short my list actually is. In all my years of life this was all I could come up with? I have so many things to be grateful for. The list is one that shouldn't end. In order to properly recognize each of my blessings, I have set a goal to recognize something different that I am grateful for each day and if it is a person in my life to let them know that I am grateful for them no matter how unmanly that might be perceived. I won't share with you my updated list, but rest assured that is quite a bit longer and growing every day.
Thanks for listening.
Mike says:
ReplyDelete“So often we fail to acknowledge what we have because we’re so concerned about what we want. We fail to give real thanks for the many blessings for which we did nothing.” -Coach John Wooden
Just so you all know I am grateful for our friendship.
ReplyDelete"Walk with gratitude in your hearts, my dear friends. Be thankful for the wonderful blessings which are yours. Be grateful for the tremendous opportunities that you have....
-Gordon B. Hinckley
November 12, 2000