Oct 22, 2009

Attitude of Gratitude

by Kari Pike

A dear friend sent me a link to the cutest Thanksgiving Advent Calendar I have ever seen.

Actually, it is the only Thanksgiving advent calendar I have ever seen, but it is totally cute! I have several advent calendars for Christmas, but it never occurred to me to do a countdown to Thanksgiving. Once I thought about it, however, I wondered why. What better way to prepare for Thanksgiving than by recognizing the many things we are thankful for? Especially this year.

With all the challenges everyone is facing, I realize how important it is to focus on the many ways we are blessed in our lives. My Dad and his wife just spent the weekend with us. They are on their way home from serving a two-year family history mission. My Dad is the eternal optimist. If you gave him a pile of manure, he would dig all day, knowing that somewhere in that pile there is a pony. He reminded me the other day that, "Every day is a good day. Some days are just better than others!"

I looked out my living room window at the patchwork blanket of fall colors on Mount Timpanogas. The sun was just setting behind me and the last rays reflected off the snow capped peaks. (If I find the box with the camera cord, I'll add the picture I took.) I thought about the solidness of those granite hills. I remembered that we have a solid foundation in the gospel. A foundation even more firm than the granite of that mountain, if I choose. The stresses of the move seemed to melt away as I stood in front of that window. I decided that every morning before I get out of bed, I will stop a moment and be grateful. This morning I realized how blessed I am to have a family to get up for and serve. I have a new calling. My husband and I are Family History consultants...a completely new area in which I have not yet served. What a great learning opportunity!

I could spend hours relating to you all the things for which I am grateful...like the delete button that allows me to fix my dyslexic typing errors...and my lovely ANWA friends! Most of all I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who knows exactly what I need, when I need it...and loves me no matter what!

3 comments:

  1. Hey Kari that's my calling too. It's a bit tough for me to help others because of my work schedule, but it's a wonderful calling.

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  2. Sounds like you are settling in. I am jealous of your view of Mt. Timp. I used to sit on my front pourch and look at it.

    I love your dad's saying that "Every day is a good day, some are just better than others." That is great motto. I think I will add it to my daily beliefs.

    It is funny, I only see you twice a year, at Conference and Retreat, but I find I am so tickled to hear from you on this blog, and on the other ANWA sites. I hope you can make the next ANWA Conference, Sat. Feb. 27, 2010. We have April Lynn scheduled to speak/teach. It sure would be great. If you can, and need a place to stay, you are welcome in our home.

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  3. It is a wonderful calling, Terri. I experienced the joy of finding one of my Great-great grandmothers the other day...and I can't wait to help someone else experience that first hand!

    Cindy...you are soooo sweet. Thank you for the kind words..and the news. I hear more about what Aprilynne is up to through ANWA than i do from her! (partly my fault though.) Of course I hope to come to the conference..we'll see how the budget goes!

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