“We so easily forget that we came into life with nothing. Whatever we get soon seems our natural right, not a gift. And we forget the giver. Then our gaze shifts from what we have been given to what we don’t have yet.” - Henry B. Eyring
I love this quote. I have been recently thinking about how easy it is to focus on what we lack or wish we had- especially during this economic crisis. Sometimes I get so stressed out about our future I forget to enjoy and recognize what is right in front of me. Thus, I decided to write a list of the top ten things I am grateful for:
1. I am grateful Nick has a good job. He is finishing up his last semester and we've been applying for jobs like crazy. Like many recent graduates, we've had no luck in the job department. I have to keep reminding myself that even though his current job doesn't have the best salary, it is income. And for that, I am extremely grateful.
2. I am grateful that even though money is tight, we always seem to have more than enough to get by. There were times when I honestly thought "how in the world are we going to make it on one income?" (especially when gas was over $4!) But I continue to be amazed at how much the Lord is watching over us and (as Elder Maxwell said) in the details of our lives!
3. I am grateful for friends. I am very fortunate to have people in my life that make me laugh, are my guardian angels, and accept me for who I am.
4. I am grateful for the house we are renting. Yeah sometimes I fantasize about owning a house and visualize every little detail from the walkway to to the counter tops. And sure I get annoyed at the defects in this rental: the silverware drawer almost falls to the floor if you pull it out too fast, the cabinets are old and ugly, the single pane windows let all the heat out, the fact that the indoor temperature stays at around 85 in the summer with the AC blasting, OK I'll stop there. But really this house has been a blessing. The rent is really reasonable, since we split the rent with my sister and brother-in-law, (they live in the basement) and it really is a good size home for what we are paying. Plus, it isn't that bad looking for how old it is.
5. I am grateful for a my body. We live in a society that is overwhelmingly obsessed with appearances and having the perfect curves. I try every day to push out the negative voices and images that constantly tell me that what I have is not good enough. Though its a constant battle, I am determined to love the skin I am in.
6. I am grateful to live in Utah. Even though I honestly detest the drivers, the "keeping up with the Jones'" mentality, and the fact that everyone is LDS, I also love being close to family, the seasons and the mountains, and I love the memories I've created here.
7. I am grateful for a country that allows me to live my beliefs, even if there are many people who misconstrue and do not tolerate them. I have a vibrant testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and know that in it lies true potential for lasting happiness and joy.
8. I am grateful for parents, though not perfect, love unconditionally and are so generous to me and my little family. I am also so fortunate to have such wonderful siblings who keep me laughing and make me proud to be who I am. Each of them hold a special place in my heart.
9. I am grateful for my son Toby. Although he is one challenging little boy, he is the light in my life and I thank the Lord every day for him. My life seems so much more complete with my little Tobester in it!
10. I am grateful for a husband who works incredibly hard. He puts in 40+ hours at work and carries 17 credits, yet he still comes home to help me with housework or give me a break from Toby. I am grateful for a husband who makes me feel beautiful and still gives me the butterflies when I see him walk through the door. I am grateful for a husband who listens to my long stories, puts up with my low blood sugar outbursts, and turns a blind eye at some of my not-so-feminine habits. :) I love you Quirky, you are amazing!
1. I am grateful Nick has a good job. He is finishing up his last semester and we've been applying for jobs like crazy. Like many recent graduates, we've had no luck in the job department. I have to keep reminding myself that even though his current job doesn't have the best salary, it is income. And for that, I am extremely grateful.
2. I am grateful that even though money is tight, we always seem to have more than enough to get by. There were times when I honestly thought "how in the world are we going to make it on one income?" (especially when gas was over $4!) But I continue to be amazed at how much the Lord is watching over us and (as Elder Maxwell said) in the details of our lives!
3. I am grateful for friends. I am very fortunate to have people in my life that make me laugh, are my guardian angels, and accept me for who I am.
4. I am grateful for the house we are renting. Yeah sometimes I fantasize about owning a house and visualize every little detail from the walkway to to the counter tops. And sure I get annoyed at the defects in this rental: the silverware drawer almost falls to the floor if you pull it out too fast, the cabinets are old and ugly, the single pane windows let all the heat out, the fact that the indoor temperature stays at around 85 in the summer with the AC blasting, OK I'll stop there. But really this house has been a blessing. The rent is really reasonable, since we split the rent with my sister and brother-in-law, (they live in the basement) and it really is a good size home for what we are paying. Plus, it isn't that bad looking for how old it is.
5. I am grateful for a my body. We live in a society that is overwhelmingly obsessed with appearances and having the perfect curves. I try every day to push out the negative voices and images that constantly tell me that what I have is not good enough. Though its a constant battle, I am determined to love the skin I am in.
6. I am grateful to live in Utah. Even though I honestly detest the drivers, the "keeping up with the Jones'" mentality, and the fact that everyone is LDS, I also love being close to family, the seasons and the mountains, and I love the memories I've created here.
7. I am grateful for a country that allows me to live my beliefs, even if there are many people who misconstrue and do not tolerate them. I have a vibrant testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and know that in it lies true potential for lasting happiness and joy.
8. I am grateful for parents, though not perfect, love unconditionally and are so generous to me and my little family. I am also so fortunate to have such wonderful siblings who keep me laughing and make me proud to be who I am. Each of them hold a special place in my heart.
9. I am grateful for my son Toby. Although he is one challenging little boy, he is the light in my life and I thank the Lord every day for him. My life seems so much more complete with my little Tobester in it!
10. I am grateful for a husband who works incredibly hard. He puts in 40+ hours at work and carries 17 credits, yet he still comes home to help me with housework or give me a break from Toby. I am grateful for a husband who makes me feel beautiful and still gives me the butterflies when I see him walk through the door. I am grateful for a husband who listens to my long stories, puts up with my low blood sugar outbursts, and turns a blind eye at some of my not-so-feminine habits. :) I love you Quirky, you are amazing!
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