The Importance of Gratitude

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

07 Apr 2006 08:29 PM

There are days when I am truly stuck in a fog. I feel like all of my efforts as a mother mean nothing. I feel that no matter what I do, I can't or won't be successful. The only thing that works for me to fight off these negative feelings is kneeling in prayer and giving thanks for the many blessings that I have. I am grateful for the world around me. In the autumn I glory in the beautiful colors of changing leaves, in the winter I love the crisp cold of snow. I am grateful for my friends, and their phone calls which always come when I need them the most. I am grateful for my husband and my children. I am grateful for my parents and each of my sisters and brothers. I could go on for hours.

So often it is too easy to become wrapped up in what is negative instead of counting the numerous blessings which the Lord has provided for us. President Monson in an article titled "An Attitude of Gratitude" says of this:

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."

How do we take time to cultivate gratitude? One thing that helps me is to take some time to myself, and to think about the good things around me. I find if I don't take the time each to day to find things to be grateful for, I am too easily caught up in the negativity of the world around me. As you look for things to be grateful for, it becomes easier and easier to find them. We are each blessed so abundantly that we only need to look to realize.

I started doing this when I was struggling with a new move, and my new job was not what I had hoped it would be. It was one of the toughest times in my life. The only thing that kept me going each day was finding three new things to be grateful for. Each day as I struggled to make it through the day, I would look outside at a huge ancient oak tree enclosed in a very small courtyard. It was fall and the leaves on the tree were a beautiful red. I felt as though that tree was there just to lend me it strength and its beauty was to give me hope. The tree held onto it leaves through most of that winter. That tree became a symbol of the importance of gratitude to me.

Of course having gratitude, true gratitude will motivate us to help those around us. For all that we have been blessed with, it only makes sense to help those around us. Gratitude is just as contagious as negativity. You can stop a negative conversation by saying one positive thing. Instead of finding something to criticize find something to praise.

I have felt the blessings of peace as I have focused on the things that I am grateful for rather than the things that I am lacking or the trials I am in. What are some things that help you to feel gratitude?

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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Lisa P (24013) 10 Apr 2006 03:37 PM

This is so true! I grew up in an environment where the negative was focused upon. Over the years I've grown and seen the error of that sort of life. Every day when I wake, I think of 3 things I'm grateful for (an easy task) and then when my son wakes up and as I'm dressing him, I tell him about 3 positive things in his life. When he is old enough to understand, I hope to get him in the habit of expressing his grattitude every morning to start each day on the best foot possible. I don't care how you do it - grattitude brings more joy and blessings into your life than stressing ever will!

Miriam Caldwell (8030) 10 Apr 2006 04:39 PM

I think it is great that you are passing on the positive behavior to your son! I haven't thought about doing that. I've really focused on myself. Thanks for the idea!

1stcounsellorsheart (26) 25 Dec 2007 04:21 AM

i'm truly grateful to our HOLY SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST who gave up his life for us & take upon himself our sins. that's why we're all here enjoying our freedom! but in return, we need to show/express our gratitude to HIM by obeying his commandments.

1stcounsellorsheart (26) 25 Dec 2007 04:21 AM

i'm truly grateful to our HOLY SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST who gave up his life for us & take upon himself our sins. that's why we're all here enjoying our freedom! but in return, we need to show/express our gratitude to HIM by obeying his commandments.