Attitude of Gratitude

Life is full of challenges.  Over this last week, some of my children have come to me with struggles that they are enduring.  I don't use the word enduring lightly.  These have been struggles that have been on going or that have been a road block for some time.   And they have handled them with patience and dignity.

(How time flies by!  I miss these kids!)

As a mother, you want to fix it...make it better.  For me, I wish more than anything I could take their burden and make it my own so I could suffer for them and relieve them of the pain and difficulty they are feeling.  Sounds familiar, doesn't it?  I don't think it's a coincidence that as parents we feel that way.  I know for me, that is how I have been able to better understand and try to comprehend The Atonement.  We love our children so much that we are willing to do ANYTHING for them.   Much like the Savior felt and feels for us when we are suffering through life's trials.  He understands...He knows how we feel because He has already suffered that for us.  Now it is up to us to turn it over to Him after all we can do.

Through these conversations with my kids lately, there has been one word that has come up in all of our conversations....

gratitude

It is what has helped me throughout my adult life...a sense of calm will come over me as I look around and see....

family
home
truths
friends
freedom
health

And then the things easily taken for granted....

smelling a newborn grandbaby
hearing the grandkids laugh and yell as they enjoy playing with their cousins
seeing a tear run down their sweet cheeks and being able to wipe it away
hugging them until they break free
making them waffles
watching them sing at Primary programs
making popcorn and having a movie night
hiding when they come and scaring them when they find me
talking to all 5 of my grown kids in one day
getting a text everyday from at least one of my kids
reading a recipe to one of them
having a husband that has taken all of this craziness on
having a husband that loves HIS family
having a husband that would do anything for me and our family


The list gets endless...but it works...for me!  It gets me over any pity party that tries to invite me!  Sometimes that party gets really tempting and I do stay longer than I should but my Mother always taught me to never wear out your welcome!

Now...let's get on our "Attitude of Gratitude"!
Love you all!