This morning I gave Hannah an assignment to write down 50 things she is grateful for. She was being a poor sport about Abe getting to go to a birthday party today. She gets to do 3 times the fun things that Abe does, because she is older and my only girlie and who knows why ... so i felt little sympathy for her. I decided she needed to consider her blessings... hence the gratitude assignment. I don't know... is that some horrible parenting technique? anyhoo...
In all fairness... I told her I'd do it too. After all, I've also been a whiner-mom this week feeling fed up with nonsense from tots.
So - here goes...
1. jimmy's love
2. hannah's helpfulness
3. abe's tender heart
4. max's smile
5. truman's new teeth
6. washing machine
7. soap
8. yummy smells
9. good books
10. ice water
11. water bottles
12. garbage sacks
13. phones
14. digital ... everything
15. bleach
16. understanding hearts
17. encouraging words
18. temples
19. calm moments
20. inspiring quotes
21. sparkly wedding ring
22. Holy Ghost
23. peace
24. remembering
25. cars that run
26. winter coats
27. soft blankets
28. long enough sweatpants
29. neutrogena lotion
30. quality lipbalm
31. dear friends
32. compassion
33. prayer
34. miracles
35. daily tender mercies
36. happy children
37. music
38. warmth
39. popsicles
40. green grass
41. gardens that grow
42. clouds in a blue sky
43. overcast days
44. rain in summer in Utah
45. blue jeans
46. flip flops
47. grandparents who listen nicely when my kids call to tell them about their day
48. the ordinary good in life
49. cheerful countenance
50. scripture power
This talk "O Remember, Remember" by President Eyring came to mind when putting together this list:
"When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day. ... I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day.
"Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.
"More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened.
"My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies. You may not keep a journal. You may not share whatever record you keep with those you love and serve. But you and they will be blessed as you remember what the Lord has done."
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