A Tribute of Gratitude

Like most people, I have pondered gratitude a lot this month. I decided to focus on people I am grateful for this month. While I am grateful for the influence of so many people in my life, I want to dedicate this post to a just few!


First, I am so thankful for my two visiting teachers who visit me every month. I always enjoy our conversations and the messages that they share with me. However, I am especially grateful for them this month. Money has been tight this month and will be even tighter in the next, and my food budget has taken the hardest hit in my budgeting. When my visiting teacher asked this week if she could do anything for me, I told her I could use a loaf of bread. I was down to the last two pieces of my last loaf, with several lunches before my next paycheck. It was a very humbling experience to ask for something so simple as a loaf of bread. (Photo Credit: Spinarecipe.com)

My darling visiting teacher immediately assured me that a loaf of bread
would be delivered that night. She brought a loaf of bread along with a few other items. Yet, she didn't stop there. She extended an invitation for dinner on Sunday and a grocery shopping trip today. I cannot tell you the burden that was lifted by her outpouring of love to me.

Secondly, I must mention a group of people I am grateful for. I am so grateful for my brother's ward. I won't go into details because it is not my story to tell, but his ward has been such a marvelous example of charity, the pure love of Christ, by personifying the word. They have cared for my brother and his family during their trials more than I have ever known possible. I know that I wouldn't have had the meekness to ask for help from my visiting teachers if I had not noticed the example of service from my brother's ward.

I believe the simple acts of service become branded upon the hearts of the recipents and those who serve. It is the smallest and most simple acts of charity that often mean the most. President Joseph F. Smith instructed: 

"The spirit of gratitude is always pleasant and satisfying because it carries with it a sense of helpfulness to others; it begets love and friendship, and engenders divine influence. Gratitude is said to be the memory of the heart." (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 262).

I am learning a great lesson in asking for help. As quoted above, I have felt a deeper love and friendship towards those who have helped me and my family lately. I know the Lord is ever mindful of His children, even me. (Photo Credit: www.newsmax.com)

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of gratitude!