Thanksgiving

“Remember, each new morning is a gift from God. Even the air we breathe is a loving loan from Him. He preserves us from day to day and supports us from one moment to another. Therefore, our first noble deed of the morning should be a humble prayer of gratitude.

How much better it would be if all could be more aware of God’s providence and love and express that gratitude to Him. Our degree of gratitude is a measure of our love for Him. “

I loved these words shared by our dear Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.

I have found that the level of my gratitude correlates with my feelings of fulfillment and happiness in my life. When I take notice and express my gratitude for the many blessings in my life I appreciate things more and find more joy in life.

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love the feeling of togetherness. It’s a simple holiday and doesn’t get a whole lot of fanfare but I almost think that makes it even sweeter. It is a calm time to reflect on what matters most – and I am grateful for that.

I am grateful that I got to spend the day surrounded by my sweet family. They are my world. I love them and I love us together.

This year as we went around the table and each took an opportunity to share what we were grateful for, it was truly lovely to listen to my children. Jacob and Sarah were really thinking about it and it was sweet to see and hear.

As I reflected on this last year specifically, I found myself filled with gratitude for my relationship with my Father in Heaven. This year was hard. This time last year I had no idea what was in store for our little family.

BUT I am grateful, not necessarily for the trial {I am not that celestial yet} but how I was able to accept that trial and move forward with faith. I am grateful that I have gotten to a point in my relationship with my Heavenly Father that I didn’t ask why, but I had faith in His plan for me and for our family.

All day, every day, I am so grateful for my family. I am living my dream and am forever grateful for that. I love being together with my best friend every day trying to navigate life {and having some fun along the way!}.

And I am grateful for each of my children. They are each so different and unique but fit so perfectly together. I can’t imagine life without them. And having our Lydia Rose join our family this year was the best part.

So this weekend we took things a little slower, spent long lazy days together, and I am grateful for each moment we get.