Cultivating

“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.” – President Monson

I am working on cultivating {creating} a heart full of gratitude.  It takes extra thought – especially to express it.  I hope someday it flows naturally.  Too many times I look around and focus on what is lacking.  Or what there is too much of.  Always wanting something to change.  I need to focus on the good right before me.

“This is a wonderful time to be on earth.  While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good.  There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach.  Our lives are blessed in countless ways.”

I am blessed in numberless ways.  Today I just focused on expressing sincere thanks to each of our children at least once.  I thanked Autumn for getting in her p.j.s so quick AND brushing her teeth.  I thanked Joshua for enjoying dinner and asking for seconds.  I thanked Jacob for getting dressed in his Scout Uniform for Pack Meeting cheerfully.  I thanked Caleb for not biting me today while nursing (He being the proud owner of 2 peeking through teeth).  And I thanked Katey for making me giggle today.  I live a blessed life.  One of the best parts was seeing their little eyes light up when I was talking to just them and it wasn’t something I needed them to do/ work on.  Yes, I definitely need to thank them more often.

“The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil.  Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.  …  How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!” – President Joseph F. Smith