Gratitude

In 2006, my mom had a reaction to a flu shot that caused her temporary paralysis.  It started in her feet and moved up to her lungs.  As she went through rehab, she expressed her gratitude for all the little things in life.  She mentioned watching the monitors to make sure the beeps went up and down, she talked about how nice it was to be able to feed herself again and even just tie her shoe.

Just over a year later, I was on my mission and I was asked to give a talk on gratitude.  Her experience really opened my eyes to how lucky we really are!  Sometimes life is tough, but there is always something to be thankful for!!

Shortly after I gave my talk, Elder Eyring gave a talk at general conference encouraging everyone to start a gratitude journal.  I really took it to heart and wrote down something I was grateful for everyday of my entire mission.  I wish I could say that I continued that habit, but I slowly stopped. 

A few weeks ago, I was asked to speak to the young women about the topic of gratitude.  I wasn't super excited to go because Travis wasn't home and I had to figure out what to do with the girls, but I am so glad I went.  The girls asked some really great questions and helped my testimony grow!  I have been blessed with a positive outlook on life! 

We made gratitude journals that night and I am getting back into the habit of writing in it.  Today I am grateful for my family!  All of my family (except Andrew on his mission) was able to come to my house for Thanksgiving!  I am so glad that everyone gets along and we are able to see each other even if it is only twice a year.  (picture from this summer)

 I am thankful for my sweet girls!  People probably get tired of hearing it, but I love these girls soooo much!  They have taught me so much and helped me grow in ways I couldn't imagine!  I am grateful for their health and positive outlook on life!  (even though it isn't always easy!!)

I am thankful for Travis!  I was down with an excruciating migraine today and he took care of the girls all day!  He is the best dad and the girls love him to death!  I am grateful he is worthy to give me a priesthood blessing on days like today when I felt like I was going to die.  I am thankful he is such a hard worker to provide for our family!  And I am thankful he still puts up with me!!

I am grateful for such great friends!  I think back to my first couple months here in Ohio and how I hated it!  Not feeling like I had a place.  Now I have friends that will last a lifetime!!  And I am thankful for technology that allows me to keep in touch with those that have moved away!

I am thankful for my church and calling, a beautiful home, food to eat, clothes to wear, cars to drive, jobs to provide, and much much more!  I am a blessed lady!!