Gratitude

This past week in our class we’ve been studying 1 Nephi Chapters 15-22.

One of the key things that has stayed with me this week is the importance of gratitude.  As we study the scriptures, we see stories from different points of views and the attitudes from the various people.  In a talk by Kirk Astel titled “Attitudes in Affliction”, he speaks of the contrasting attitudes of Nephi and his brothers, Laman and Lemuel.

Nephi always keeps a positive outlook on things, trusting in the Lord that things happen as they should and that he will be better for it.  Laman and Lemuel however, constantly murmur regarding their circumstances and what they have to endure as they wander through the wilderness.

I watched one other video this week that talks about this same topic.  The talk is titled “Grateful in any Circumstances” by President Uchtdorf.  In his talk, President Uchtdorf speaks of a waiter in a restaurant that tries to make a particular customer happy but is unable to do so despite repeated attempts.  The customer always finds something to complain about even though the waiter continues to go above and beyond with trying to provide service.

These stories really make me stop to look at myself and where I am in my life.  Am I happy?  Am I grateful for the things that I have? Am I doing the things that the Lord would have me do with the many blessings He has bestowed upon me?

I think it is easy to go through life always working towards the next goal or the next milestone and not stop to be truly grateful for what we have right now.  I know that I am guilty of this.

I look forward to the weeks ahead as I try and put the lessons I’ve learned this week into practice in my everyday life.  I know that I can be more grateful for all the things in my life for the Lord has truly blessed me in many aspects of my life.

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