The Miracle of Gratitude.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love—then make that day count!”

Elder Chung

"...some might say, 'what do I have to be grateful for when my world is falling apart?'

Perhaps focusing on what we are grateful for is the wrong approach. It is difficult to develop a spirit of gratitude if our thankfulness is only proportional to the number of blessings we can count. true, it is important to frequently 'count our blessings' - and anyone who has tried this knows there are many - but I don't believe the Lord expects us to be less thankful in times of trial than in times of abundance and ease. In fact, the most of the scriptural references do no speak of gratitude for things but rather suggest an overall spirit or attitude of gratitude. 

It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I'm suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances - Whatever they may be."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I think President Uchtdorf brings up a really good point. He emphasizes that gratitude should be a "way of life that [should] stand independent of our current situation.". Let me ask an essential question. Why do we even need to be grateful? or even show gratitude even in the smallest degree?

Let's ask President Dieter F. Uchtdorf again. 

"Everyone's situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. 

We can be grateful!

It may sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding. 

Why does God command us to be grateful?

All of His commandments are given to make blessings available to us. commandments are opportunities to exercise our agency and to receive blessings. Our loving Heavenly Father knows that choosing to develop a spirit of gratitude will bring us true joy and great happiness."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf