- I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!
It might seem strange to give thanks when the world seems to be falling on our shoulders. But that is what he is suggesting will help us handle those burdens in a more positive way.
- It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding.
God knows that being thankful during our trials will help us work through them.
- Our loving Heavenly Father knows that choosing to develop a spirit of gratitude will bring us true joy and great happiness.
President Uchtdorf warns us that our gratitude should not be measured by the number of blessings we see in our lives. Our circumstances sometimes limit our view of what we should be grateful for.
- It is difficult to develop a spirit of gratitude if our thankfulness is only proportional to the number of blessings we can count.
- We can choose to be grateful, no matter what. This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer.
Gratitude is a way to express our belief in Christ and the atonement that He has provided. It is a way to show our belief in a higher power while going through difficult circumstances in life.
- True gratitude is an expression of hope and testimony. It comes from acknowledging that we do not always understand the trials of life but trusting that one day we will.
Our gratitude will give us a better outlook on the future. It will help us endure our challenges and get us ready to receive more blessings in the future from our loving Heavenly Father.
- Your testimony of Christ, born of the Holy Ghost, can help you look past the disappointing endings in mortality and see the bright future that the Redeemer of the world has prepared.
In summary:
- Gratitude to our Father in Heaven broadens our perception and clears our vision. It inspires humility and fosters empathy toward our fellowmen and all of God’s creation. Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike attributes! A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues.
I have believed these words all my life. No matter what trials we are currently facing, we need to be grateful to God and Christ for the things that we have received. How grateful I am to know that when all these struggles of life are through, when it is time to return to my Heavenly Father, that I saw each day as a opportunity to thank God for the things I have in my life. It is not easy seeing the blessings of God through our trials. But as we find ways to be grateful despite our trials, we will be on the right track to true discipleship.