So Much To Be Thankful For...

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"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things only hoped for." 

-Epicurus

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 Today is Thanksgiving, and we are overwhelmed with all that we have to be thankful for. The lists are endless. Our Father in Heaven is so good. His blessings are abundant. And His love and care are never ending.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to sit down and contemplate, really contemplate, all our many blessings. Gratitude is an imperative thing. As Marion G Romney reminded us, "Gratitude is not merely a courtesy, but a commandment."

We need to be thankful. We need to be grateful. We need to thank our Heavenly Father on a regular and daily basis for that with which we are blessed. Sure, there are certain seasons and times in life when our blessings are much easier to see and count. But no matter our circumstances, there is always something to be grateful for. Something to thank Him for. And especially during the times we feel more lack than abundance, when we take the time to thank Him for what we do have, we will find more peace, contentment, and more things that we are thankful for. The blessings will be easier to see, when we look for them with a grateful heart.

Contentment and true happiness will come when we are at peace with what we have, and realizing that it is enough for now. There will always be things that we don't have...Whether they be material possessions, or personal attributes. Let us be happy with what God has given us for the moment. For whatever it is, it is a gift. Improvement is always possible. Let us seek it, but not at the cost of not being happy in the moment we find ourselves in or at the cost of our self acceptance.

Our Heavenly Father loves us. We know this. It is evident in everything around us. The beauty of the earth and it's creations. In the love of the family and friends that surround us. It is everywhere...

He knows us. He knows every detail of our circumstances and situations. He knows our needs. And He will send that which we stand in need of. And often times, even more. God is good. He is our Father. And He loves us beyond comprehension. Knowledge of these things alone, is something to be daily and eternally thankful for...

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."

D&C 78: 19