I am thankful for...

These last few months I have been thinking about my life and the decisions I’ve made, the things I’ve learned, things that I regret, all of the many blessings I have received and not fully appreciated them or even seen them as blessings at the time. I think sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in all the glam and glitter of the world and not realize what is truly important. Thanksgiving is this week and it has really got me thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for. I remember when I was in young women’s I was asked to give a talk on gratitude in sacrament meeting, now public speaking never has and probably never will be my favorite thing, but I really learned a lot while preparing for this talk. I went through old talks and my scriptures and I don’t remember what book I read it in, but it talked about thanking Heavenly Father for the small and simple things of life, such as the weather, a beautiful sunset, birds singing, and I just thought I really do take so many things for granted. It also talked about being thankful for our trials and sometimes I have a really hard time with that, but they really do make us stronger, and usually helps us develop a stronger relationship with our Heavenly Father.

I am so thankful for the gospel in my life! I honestly don’t know where I would be without it, but I know it probably wouldn’t be good. I am so thankful for the temple! I love the peace and comfort that I feel when I am there, it is truly overwhelming. I love that I get to be with my family forever! I am so thankful for prayer. It is so nice to know that I can go to my Heavenly Father with everything and anything and know that he is there and understands exactly how I feel. I am thankful for our Prophet and all the leaders of the church and all of the time and effort they put into their callings and the guidance that they give us. I am thankful for the scriptures. I know if you pray and ponder about the things you read, they will strengthen your testimony and increase your knowledge and bring you closer to Heavenly Father. I am thankful for my husband. He is such a wonderful man, he takes such good care of me and is such a good example.

I am thankful for my home and to have a job, especially through these hard times. I am thankful for my family and their unconditional and willingness to help and support me. I am thankful for the Atonement. It is so comforting to know that even though I’m not perfect and I make mistakes that I can repent and return to live with our Father in Heaven. We really are blessed each and every day. It’s a blessing to be able to wake up every morning and a blessing to have nice weather, when others are losing their homes to wild fires, hurricanes, and tornados. I encourage you to just take a little time every day to appreciate the small and simple things it really will help you have a better outlook on life. I am sorry if this seems like I’m preaching or if you think that I shared a little too much, but I do hope you “Find Joy in the Journey”.

I would also like to thank Susan Budge for sharing her testimony with me and encouraging others to do it. We really should strive to share it as often as we can.