Gratitude: While studying the new "Teachings of Presidents of the Church " manual on Joseph Smith and some of his journal entries, I noted an entry on January 1st where he expressed gratitude for having been permitted to live yet another year.
In October General Conference, President Eyring counseled us to write something every day for which we are grateful that the Lord has blessed our lives.
The December 22, 2007 Church News had a fascinating editorial on gratitude of particular interest to this mission:
"While preparing a (Church) lesson on gratitude, I experienced Doctrine and Covenants 78:19:
"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."
My heart pounded and my blood rushed. Where had this scripture been hiding? I understand math. Added one hundred fold at least; from simple gratitude. Plus it said "this earth." Sometimes blessings feel so far in the future. One hundred are available here and now.
Jubilantly I shared this with my visiting teaching message. Those I visited wanted the reference. My family memorized it before they could have the home evening treat. My son serving a mission enjoying few baptisms needed this scripture. Be thankful to have the gospel to share, even if it isn't accepted. Keep loving the people and it will come back to you one hundred fold. Be obedient and you will be blessed with what you need. I wrote my missionary I wasn't sure what the "glorious" entailed but it had to be good it it was coming from Heavenly Father.
A month later this scripture again came to mind and enveloped my soul when our son and his companion serving on the French Caribbean island of Martinique spent three days missing on Mount Pelee. They share a love of nature, and the earth gave them enough water and food to survive. The people they love were searching for them and many more cam. They prayed for deliverance. Prayers multiplied from homes and temple altars in many nations. Fasting increased. These young men asked for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and it never left the.
With honor, through obedience, they used priesthood power to bless one another. The powers of heaven and the things of this earth were "added unto them."
Upon hearing they were found and unharmed, my spirit, heart, mind and body came together in an uncontainable burst of loving gratitude to our Father in Heaven. I will share with my son that I have now been blessed to understand, at least in small part, what "thankfulness shall be made glorious" entails. And yes, it is good. Very good. --Donna Gray, Taylorsville Utah (mother of Elder Tyson Gray)
Family Home Evening Activity:
1) Resolve to write down something every day for which you are grateful.
2) Recognize Heavenly Father's blessings and express gratitude to Him.
3) Review your daily journal often.
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