The Divine Gift of Gratitude

Following are highlights from an inspirational talk presented by the Prophet Thomas S. Monson during the October 2010 General Conference.

THE DIVINE GIFT OF GRATITUDE

Thomas S. Monson
Ensign October 2010

Do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.

We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.

A grateful heart then comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort – at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don’t get around to it.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven.

It is my prayer that in addition to all else for which we are grateful, we may ever reflect our gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to live’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do our spirits go when we die? That gospel brings to those who live in darkness the light of divine truth. He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved.

Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His words. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.

*Note: Please read the remainder of this talk for a great example of gratitude. It’s located in the October 2010 Ensign.*

As we pass the holiday season, let us remember to show gratitude to those we love and those around us. What a better way than to make a special treat and share with those around us who mean so much to us.

This post composed and presented by Jackie Burnett.