gratitude + thanksgiving 2010

At times chris and I find ourselves discouraged, depressed even about our family situation and all that we have been through in the last several years. We find it so easy to slip into a place where only negative thoughts and even actions take hold and they really can take hold of us. And bring us down so much that we start to feel sadness about other aspects of our lives. We decided early on that we would not be a bitter couple that brings others down and blames so many other things for their sadness but we still struggle to not let these feelings creep in. And we have to really fight not going down "that path" we call it of negativity. Because we really have so much to be grateful for.....life, the gospel of Jesus Christ, a happy marriage, jobs that we both enjoy, parents who loved us, taught us so much and continue to be there in so many ways for us. We are surrounded by loving friends and neighbors who have been so encouraging, loving and charitable at times when they did not even know it. And a beautiful baby boy who has brought so much joy and happiness this last year.

(the best stuffing!)

(lion house rolls)

This last year has been a year of change for us more than any other time. More than just introducing a new baby into our home. New jobs, new callings, we are no longer at the temple after 4 years, a totally different perspective. Hopefully new growth in a good direction but looking back we both have mentioned this at different times; we have gained a new understand of love. Love for him the baby of course but a love of our Heavenly Father for us in times of doubt or fear; as well as for a small baby boy. We see a different kind of love for this mother who struggles so much! A new love for each other as parents; as partners in a different way. And a new love that we know (or hope and trust) will heal all heartache and pain if we end up losing this baby! And that we can still have peace and comfort as well as such much gratitude that I am not even sure how to express it.

(good people doing good things in their lives!!)

It seems like the county is and can do everything to send this baby boy back to his mother and well to be really honest they are, that is actually their job and their goal. And at times I feel guilty even wanting him to stay because he is not mine and I have not right to him. But we wanted and loved him even before he was around so it is challenge at times to know how to move forward or how to even pray or really feel about the whole situation.

(a really fabulous turkey cooked on the grill all day...yum, yum!)

It is easy to feel discouraged and sad about life but I also know that discouragement is one way satan uses against me to bring me to a place where I no longer feel the love of my Savior. And I am grateful for how much the gift of gratitude has change my perspective and life. It is a divine gift to be grateful and I have seen this last year how much this attitude can change me.

"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. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

“The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!”

I like that word cultivate. It will not happen on its own or as a result of things gained but within our attitudes towards God and man we can posses such a virtue. And when it comes right down to it...chris and I have so much to be grateful for and we celebrated Thanksgiving with a special attitude of gratitude that will hopefully stay with us a long time.

(and a really tired baby after a long day of fun, food and friends!)