It seems fitting that during this week of Thanksgiving, I should be writing about gratitude.
A little more than ten years ago, I gave birth to a sweet baby boy, but I also sank into a deep postpartum depression. Just after he was born, President Eyring gave this talk, O, Remember, Remember. He spoke of an impression to preserve the memory of an act of service his father-in-law was providing for them, and then he continued to record such blessings every day for years. President Eyring said,
Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.
I decided to take the same challenge. While my depression would not resolve for a couple of years, the act of writing and recording blessings in my life allowed me to feel the spirit in the midst of the challenges I was facing. This became vital during those dark days.
I have since fallen away from this practice. I think it’s time for me to renew my commitment to preserve the memory of all the amazing blessings I have. But even more, it’s time for me to express gratitude for such amazing blessings.
I love this video from SoulPancake:
Isn’t it amazing that being grateful makes us happier? But think about the point that SoulPancake highlighted at the end… those that express gratitude will experience a bigger increase in their happiness level.
King Benjamin said, “I say unto you, my brethren, that . . . you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice” (Mosiah 2:20). Why would this be a commandment, to not only feel thankful, but to express that gratitude? I don’t see Heavenly Father as being a god that needs our acknowledgement to validate all the blessings He has given us. Could part of it be because He knows that it will refine us and help us to be more joyful?
We are commanded to, “give thanks in all things” (Mosiah 26:39). This video makes me smile and reminds me that I have many blessings I don’t even notice each day.
What are you going to be thankful today? How are you going to express it?
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