Gratitude

I absolutely love President Eyring. His gentle, thought provoking sermons press me to improve and strive to live the Gospel more fully. His talk this conference "O Remember, Remember" was so beautiful. It may be that I needed to hear his message. He talked about writing down how he had seen the hand of God in his life. EVERYDAY. He Said, "I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened."


I loved this concept so much, I wanted to try it in our family. For family night tonight we studied President Eyring's talk and made gratitude journals. It was amazing how responsive the kids were. Each one has already added their first entry. Bowen's said "I am glad I am even in this world." Me too. I am often quick to forget when things are abundant and great, and quick to remember in times of trial. Hopefully these little journals will be a daily reminder of the never ending blessings from a loving Heavenly Father.















"Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I, and those that I love, will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him. I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized. I know that is true, and it brings me joy to remember Him." President Henry B. Eyring