Attitude of Gratitude

I had the opportunity to spend four months in Jerusalem - a place where I learned not only about the people and culture of the Middle East, but also a lot about myself.  One of the last days we were there, a group of my friends and I headed to the suburbs surrounding Jerusalem looking for adventure.  We definitely weren't disappointed.  We stumbled upon this little convent in the middle of these rolling hills covered with trees.  The day was a bit misty - threatening to rain all day, which just added to the mystery of our adventurous day.
We became good friends with one of the nuns at the convent - she was Russian and gave us a tour of the entire property.  After finishing the tour of some of the most sacred buildings, she invited us to stay for lunch.  This lady just barely met us and she was already showing so much kindness to us.


Pretty incredible.


After lunch, she showed us one last thing - a beautiful view of the valley.  We were scrambling, trying to come up with a way that we could thank her for the kindness she showed us.  We found out her favorite Christmas carol was "Silent Night," so as good Mormons always do, we sang to her an impromptu rendition of this popular hymn.  It was the least we could do.

Isn't it amazing how someone we knew for barely a few hours could be so generous to complete strangers?  Inviting us to not only dine with her and her friends there at the convent, but also invited us into some of the most sacred places to her.  Could you imagine if we lived a life like that?  Continually looking out for those we just met, as well as people we've know forever - allowing them to be a part of the things that mean the most to us?  And on the flip side (the side I was on in my experience with the nun), doing all we can to express our gratitude to those around us?

"Oh give thanks to the Lord for he is good."

(Psalm 118:1)

"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."

Joseph F. Smith

"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love,"

Thomas S. Monson

So how can we be grateful everyday, and not just in November?

1.  Keep a gratitude journal.  Looking at your daily blessings will remind you of all the things you do have, for our blessings can be easily overlooked unless we are constantly thinking about them each day.

2. Say more "thank yous"

3. Take time to write more thank you notes.  Could you imagine all of the people you could touch if you simply wrote one thank you note a week?

4. Live in the present moment and give thanks for the little blessings in your life.  "If you are too concerned with the tomorrows, it is likely that you'll overlook a blessing here in the present."

5.  Thoughtful prayer, for "prayer awakens a grateful heart."