The Choice to be Grateful

Every Christmas Eve, I try to think about something I'd like to work on in the coming year to better myself. I try to get Shaun to do it too, and we write these goals down and put them in a simple box under the tree. They are the gifts we hope to bring to the Savior, whether it be more faith, patience, charity, less pride, the list can be endless. This past year I've tried to focus on gratitude. I've found it very easy to slip into the "whoa is me" mentality, that it takes real effort to remember gratitude. As I've mentioned in posts throughout the year, a change in perspective can make all the difference. This year, while it has been extremely challenging in many ways, it has also been one of great growth. I'm so grateful that I've been able to focus on gratitude. I knew I was on to something when this month'sFirst Presidency message in the Ensign was title, "The Choice to be Grateful." I have my moments when I admit I fall short and begin to complain and worry. I often have to remind myself that I may not be where I thought I'd be, but I'm doing just fine nonetheless. We have our health, our girls are healthy, our home is comfortable, my job is good, and we have the hope the future brings. We really are quite fortunate.

Looking to the future, I'd like to continue and renew this focus to choose to be grateful. Along with that, I'd like to be more diligent in many ways. So I'm adding diligence to the list of things to bring to my Savior. I know if I can humbly lay my heart upon his alter, He can make weak things strong. He can make me the person that I can only hope to be. I'm grateful for His love, for his mercy, for His saving grace. I'm grateful that he knows me personally, and that I can talk to him as a friend. I'm grateful He is my advocate with the Father. I'm grateful for his humble birth, His Atonement, His perfect example! I know it is only through Him I may be made strong.