Why I Believe: Gratitude

Alternate Title: "I too am thankful for muffins and donuts"



...and also so many of the other things in this sweet video.

With the Thanksgiving holiday all but around the corner, my thoughts are turned to tradition, blessings, and the gratitude I feel so strongly in my life. I've watched this video countless times (funny considering my perpetual disdain for streaming video) because it's funny, and warm, and I love the feeling I get listening to Elder Oaks talk.

I love Elder Oaks challenge, "Let us give thanks for what we are and for the circumstances God has given us for our personal journey through mortality." So true! My personal journey is different than each of yours and this blog should be a testament to that fact! Lately I've been ruminating on a blog post on the "Why I Came to Boston" (which has never been fully discussed here) and have unanimously agreed with myself that this little adventure of mine has truly changed my life. It's not a circumstance I ever considered would become a reality, but I guess God had a different circumstance in mind for me, eh? How thankful I am for that. (And will discuss at length further. Later.)

"When we understand that God offers us opportunities for blessings and blesses us through our own adversities and the adversities of others we can understand why He has commanded us again and again to thank the Lord they God in all things."

So this is it. My general shout out of Gratitude in Thanksgiving for all that I've been given. For the tactile goods and tools required for everyday living. For the intangible quality (and eternal!) relationships I share with my family and friends. For my innate gifts and talents. For the ability to express myself freely. For the time and talents and desire to serve in God's Kingdom. For learning to truly love myself and recognizing my worth as a daughter, a sister, a friend.

For independence.
For dependence.

For Happy Ever After.
And most importantly...
For Happy Right Now.