Attitude of Gratitude!

As a family, we have been focused on trying to "show" more love to one another, and in doing so work on having an attitude of gratitude, as President Monson challenged us to do so, in last months conference talk. Having an attitude of gratitude means living life in a way of constant thankfulness, not just on Thanksgiving Day. It means expressing to others and especially Heavenly Father how grateful we are for the blessings we have, and the things that we do for each other. It means showing gratitude, through our actions. Lastly, emulating our Savior in constant remembrance of gratitude in all we say and do.
This all takes conscience effort. So as a family, we've worked to remind each other to be grateful. A couple weeks back, we were driving in a neighborhood we don't frequently drive, and I was looking at the houses at expressing aloud things I liked and didn't like about the homes. I made mention a few times about things I might someday like to have with our home, when Isaac spoke from the backseat, and said, "Mom that's not having an attitude of gratitude." Spoken from the mouths of babes. We have to be careful what we teach; they might expect us to "do what we preach." Isaac was right...I wasn't being ungrateful, but in my comments of wanting more, we can easily forget to be happy with what we've got. We've had lessons in Family Home Evening about how we are thankful for our bodies, and our homes; and discussed how we show our gratitude by taking care of ourselves, and our homes, how to keep them pure and worthy of the spirit.
Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays. It is truly about spending time together, and thinking about having an attitude of gratitude. It's always fun, and necessary to kick off the Christmas season, by remembering first to count your blessings. I wouldn't let my kids start making their Christmas lists before Thanksgiving; telling them that before they could ask for more, they had to first take time to be thankful for what they had. I guess those lessons apply to all of us.
I am so grateful for my family, good friends, our jobs, our home, being members of the gospel of Jesus Christ, our callings in the church, challenges that make us stronger, the temple, the scriptures, the privilege to live in a country that allows free choice, men and women that fight to insure that freedom, my Savior, the Atonement of Jesus Christ that allows me the opportunity to make mistakes and be able to repent, the blessings of heaven that are poured out on me and my loved ones. I am truly blessed far beyond the ability to count. Thank you to all of you that bless mine, and my family's life; for the love, support, sacrifice, and service that you extend to us. Happy Holiday!