Gratefulness

Why is it so easy for us, and maybe I shouldn't include everyone in this, to see the bad things in life ? It seems so much easier to believe a criticism than a compliment, to dwell on those things that you still "need" rather than remember all the many blessings you already have, to worry so much about things you haven't been able to accomplish yet than to give yourself credit for so much that you do everyday ?

It seems to me that credit is very seldom given, or at least not nearly enough to those that deserve it, such as: Heavenly Father, ourselves, our kids, husbands, friends, etc... Whoever they may be.

Today is not Thanksgiving, but I'm feeling very grateful. So, here a a few of my favorite "things".

I am grateful for my kids. What a blessing it is!!! They are the reason why I try to better myself everyday, the reason why I have grown so much. They make me happy, they literally give ME life. They love me unconditionally and even though I tell them I love them everyday, I still don't think they quite understand exactly everything that they mean to me. How great and amazing that we can have that opportunity to know that kind of love.

I am grateful for Shane. Do I want to kill him half the time? Yes! Have my gray hairs increased exponentially since I've met him? Yes!! Can he frustrate me and push my buttons like no one else can? Yes!!! Does he live in his dream world? Yes!!!! But how can I not love him? He wakes up singing and smiling. He never holds a grudge or throws "things" in my face, something I can't say about myself. In almost 10 years of marriage he has never said I looked ugly, or fat, and I KNOW I have looked less than attractive at times. He always makes me feel beautiful!! He laughs at my jokes and doesn't ever judge me. I KNOW he loves me.

I am grateful for Heavenly Father. What an amazing person he must be/is. How selfless. How loving. How merciful and kind. How can we begin to understand him? How can we begin to understand perfection? A perfect love...for ALL. My mind just can't grasp someone like that. In theory I understand, but he is still a mystery to me. Can you imagine...close your eyes if you can (or when you can) going back to your Father in Heaven? Can you imagine what it will feel like when you see Him again, remember Him. Can you imagine the feeling of having his arms around you ? The warmth. Your heart full of light, and love and total and complete happiness. If that is not enough reason to try and try and try again to be better, I don't know what is.

I am grateful for my family. My brothers and sister. For being able to grow up with them and learn from them. Each one of them is such unique individuals. Each one has so many different talents, likes, dreams, accomplishments, but all are part of my life, contributed to who I am. Yes...it is all YOUR fault. :P We are not a very touchy, feely family and I don't think we say nearly enough that we love each other, but I do love each one of you. It sure is a blessing.

I am grateful for other seemingly small things such as:

Beautiful songs and artists that had the courage to put down on paper or dance or music, such works of art that can completely change your mood or your view of the world. Open your heart for other good things, be it love, the spirit or just whatever may come your way.

The example of so many selfless prophets and leaders who give their lives so we can find ours. As well as, other "ordinary" people that serve and try to make this world a better place.

My home. My "things". My cars, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer & dryer and any other gadget that makes our lives a little easier. Nothing wrong with that, I think.

My job. My calling in the Nursery. Kids that age are selfish, yet so willing to give. Innocent and sweet, yet they know what they want and definitely what they don't want. You just can't help but smile around them.

Friends. All the laughs, adventures, sleepovers... The stories we can remember. When I die I want to see a it all flash before my eyes. What a way to go huh?

I probably could go on forever, but it would make for a very, very long blog, and I have things to do. So, if I could give anyone, any advice on happiness, it would be...every so often put on your PJ's, some happy, relaxing music and make a list of the things you are grateful for. You'll be amazed at all the things you come up with and the difference it can make on your outlook on life. It did in mine.