An Attitude of Gratitude

We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.
–Thomas S. Monson, An Attitude of Gratitude, May 1992

I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself lately. To use the popular expression, I've been down in the dumps. I've been so focused on the negative that I've complete forgotten something that I know to be true; attitude is everything. It is all in how you look at things. There's a hymn we sing at church, the words of which have come to mind in recent days:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
–Johnson Oatman, Jr., Count Your Blessings, LDS Hymns #241

It is amazing that something so simple as counting your blessings can and does change your focus if you let it. So, today, I'd like to celebrate the diamonds in my life, remembering that diamonds started out as rocks and were put under tremendous pressure to become something beautiful and precious.

• I have a strong body that answers the call when I ask it to do something.
• I have a strong mind to help me understand the world around me and solve my problems.
• I have a strong spirit able to withstand the pressures of life with the desire to seek the good.

Though these are very simple things, all are blessings from a loving Father in Heaven; gifts to me to help me through the inevitable trials of life. Not every day is a diamond; nor would I want it to be. But I've come to realize that each day is what you make of it, and choosing to focus on the positive, even when there isn't much to work with, makes life more livable. By adopting an attitude of gratitude, we {and by, 'we,' I really mean, 'I'} will find there is much to be grateful for.