I had a cold a few weeks ago, and my nose got totally plugged up on one side.
Breathing through one nostril is for sure one of the most obnoxious minor inconveniences to exist.
I suddenly waxed very poetic and thought about all the times that I had walked around with two functioning nostrils, and hadn’t even appreciated them for the blessings they were.
I feel like I get this way every time I have a cold.
And yet, when I’m perfectly healthy, I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned in prayer any gratitude for functioning nostrils.
And I think that’s the real secret to success with gratitude.
Maybe I really should practice being filled with gratitude every day that I wake up with two functioning nostrils!
That wouldn’t necessarily bring me more blessings in my life.
But by thinking of the health and full function of various body parts, I start to realize just how many blessings I really have.
It’s not only the vain repetitions that I sometimes utter in prayer.
It’s not just: family, house, and “all my many blessings”.
In D&C 78:19, the Lord reminds the saints that:
“He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious;
“and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.”
I don’t know that this necessarily means that being grateful GIVES me infinitely more blessings.
Maybe it’s really that there are an infinite number of things to be grateful for, and when I open my eyes to see that, then I’ve added that many blessings to my list.
I want to see hundreds and hundreds of things around me, and feel that gratitude.
Not necessarily for a list to mention in my prayers.
But so that I can allow my attitude of gratitude to fill my soul and point me to the One who makes it all possible.
“Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.” – Thomas S. Monson
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
