![]() It can change our hearts by changing our attitude. Gratitude can not only help to lift our burdens but can also lighten our spirits. 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. It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. Uchtdorf taught,Įveryone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. It’s easy to get caught up in the stresses, trials and minutiae of everyday life, which can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration- especially during the tough times. ![]() Although we set aside a national day of thanks, the spirit of giving thanks can remain with us throughout the year. The spirit of giving thanks is found when we turn our hearts to God and acknowledge the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. , Governor William Bradford declared a three-day fast, and a small group of pilgrims gathered to “worship and give thanks to God.” Two years later, in 1623, on July 30, the first official Thanksgiving Day was set up for “the special purpose of prayer.” During the revolutionary war there were some eight special days of thanks, which were observed for “special blessings that had been received.” On November 26, 1789, more than 100 years after the first special day of prayer, President George Washington issued a special proclamation for a day of “giving thanks.” And about 100 years later in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln designated the last Thursday in November as “a day of thanksgiving and praise to our benevolent Father.” Now, after more than three and a half centuries, we still celebrate a “Thanksgiving Day” (Thanks-Living, BYU Speeches, Nov. Thanksgiving Day has always been designed to be a religious experience, a day to know the Lord and bless his name. Andersen, at the time administrative vice president of Brigham Young University, said, It’s important to remember to whom we are giving thanks on this special day. And we might well join with Shakespeare as he prayed, “Oh God who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness” (Thanksgiving, BYU Speeches, Nov. That is, virtues have parents the same as people do, and a thankful heart can produce the most profitable posterity. Cato, the great Roman philosopher, once said that gratitude is the mother of virtues. And as we recount our blessings we increase them. On this day we try to build gratitude and appreciation into our lives. … In the month of November we set aside the fourth Thursday as Thanksgiving. We have an interesting custom among us in which we set aside special days to think about special things. The spirit of giving thanks is one of gratitude. They trusted in God to help them, and He did. But it took on a new meaning two years later when they celebrated their harvest after several months of drought. They celebrated their first feast of thanks in 1621 after their first harvest. Monson, The Divine Gift of Gratitude, Ensign, November 2010).Our modern holiday of Thanksgiving is an homage to the sacrifice, faith and fortitude of the Pilgrims who helped to settle the New World. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life ( Thomas S. Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings…The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Monson, God’s spokesperson on the earth today, bring great guidance. The words of a prophet, President Thomas S. ![]() However, it can be challenging to face these circumstances with optimism. I acknowledge these challenges and struggles as a necessary part of this life and vital to our growth. I, like you, have daily challenges and struggles. Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in any way ( For the Strength of Youth, 6). When you keep His commandments and serve others, you show that you love Him and are grateful to Him. You can also express gratitude to the Lord by the way you live. Thank Him for your family, for friends and loved ones, for leaders and teachers, for the gospel, and for His Son, Jesus Christ. In your prayers, before you ask for blessings, pour out your heart to God in thanks for the blessings you have already received. Doing so will strengthen and bless you ( See the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:12-19). Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. ![]() Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say.
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