Building a Base of Gratitude – November 19, 2000
Of all the qualities one can possess, perhaps the trait which most brings contentment, and most quickly reduces stress, is the virtue of gratitude.
Look around at those you know who seem to possess this inner peace, this enjoyment of life—even with its obstacles and challenges. These are people who have gratitude within their hearts.
Gratitude keeps our world in balance. It reminds us of our blessings even when life’s storms seem to rage about us. We may struggle with a financial setback, but we can be thankful for strong health and the ability to work toward a solution. We may find limitations due to age, but our hearts can sing when we see a crimson sunset or a flash of autumn color in a forest.
Appreciative people look for the good around them, and thank their Maker for allowing them a glimpse of beauty and serenity. Because of their grateful outlook, they notice life’s small pleasures and take greater joy in the laughter of children, the sweet cleansing of rain, the tenderness of opening buds. They have as many problems as their friends; they simply choose not to allow tribulation to overshadow the immensity of God’s love.
Holy writ tells us to “do all things with prayer and thanksgiving,” and promises us protection from evil if we do.1
How can we build such a groundwork—an unwavering gladness in living that will pull us through times of trouble? Is it really possible to be grateful, even when hardships come our way?
It is, when gratitude for life itself and for the wondrous plan of God, His mercy, and His love form an unshakable foundation of joy in our hearts—a foundation of glory and peace.
No setback can diminish these gifts: the blessings from serving others, making a difference in another person’s life, extending help to others. We may even find that challenges bring us closer to God as we reach to Him for help. We may grow in ways we might never have known without such trials.
This is part of God’s plan for His children: a gift which can fill our hearts with thanks—the magnificent gift of life.
Program #3718
1. Doctrine & Covenants 46:7; see also Colossians 3:17.