Gratitude :)

    
 I know that it is normal for people to start posting on their blog the things they are grateful for around this time of year.  To be honest I totally forgot Thanksgiving is next week.  The reason I chose to post about this was, because of a lesson I had in seminary today.

      There are SO many things to be grateful for in our lives!  When President Monson says we should have an "Attitude of Gratitude" I think more that it is the ability to have an attitude of knowing what blessings you are receiving not only during difficult times, but times where life seems to be running smoothly.  The past few months have not been easy for me.  I am having to learn of and correct some bad habits that I am developing.  They aren't serious, but aren't very good either.  Sometimes I struggle in finding the "bright side" in what I am going through.  I'd like to share an experience with you.

      As you know I asked my friend Nathan to the Sadie Hawkins dance at Cyprus High School a few weeks ago.  The dance was this last Saturday (Didn't actually go.  Story for another post)  All Friday I was going about making sure everything was ready to go for the next day. I was sure I had finished off my checklist only to remember that I had not yet gotten my money out of the bank for the tickets (we were paying at the door).  So later that afternoon my dad took me up to the bank to get my money only to find that the bank was closed.  In all the hustle and bustle I had completely forgotten one thing.  It was Veteran's Day!  I had no idea what to do!  The bank wasn't open for 3 days and the dance was the next night!  Well, things ended up working out and I was able to borrow some money from someone.  I was happy all was well. 

That experience taught me that if you calm down and look at all your options before wigging out like I had, that allows a blessing to work it's way into your situation.  In mine I was able to find money to pay for the tickets.

I want to really get into finding my blessings everyday.  Not just because it's Thanksgiving time, but because I could really use the uplifting it brings.  I'd like to challenge you to do it with me.  Everyday until the end of the year (yes, Dec. 31) write down somewhere, whether it be a blog post, Facebook, Twitter, or your journal, a blessing you received.  I will start in a separate blog post.