Hello Friends!
Yesterday I went to a funeral of an Uncle. It was good to hear from his kids, my cousins, talk about their dad. One thing that always seems to happen at funerals is they mention all the good things about that person...how grateful they are for the lessons they learned from the now deceased person.
Wouldn't it be great if we looked for those things now and then expressed to those people while they are living how they have impacted our lives? I know it lifts my heart when someone has learned or gained something valuable from me.
I just found this quote and thought it expressed what I was trying to say so eloquently:
"We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude. Let us not wait until it is too late for us to express that gratitude. Speaking of loved ones he had lost, one man declared his regret this way: “I remember those happy days, and often wish I could speak into the ears of the dead the gratitude which was due them in life, and so ill returned.” ~Thomas S. Monson
After the funeral we went to a luncheon put on by church members that knew one of my cousins. I expressed my gratitude for them and how much it meant to us for their time and effort. My heart was full for an opportunity to connect longer with extended family that I haven't seen for quite some time.
Here are some more thoughts on gratitude from resources and leaders of my church:
"People are generally happier when they have gratitude in their hearts. We cannot be bitter, resentful, or mean-spirited when we are grateful." Gospel Topics
"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love." ~Thomas S. Monson
"We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that 'gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.'" ~Thomas S. Monson
What gratitude can you express to one or both of your parents, or family member, today?
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