Can you imagine stepping into a barge, knowing that you wouldn’t be on dry land for who-knows-how-long, with absolutely no way to steer the vessel?!
I’m not sure exactly the emotions, but I’m willing to bet there was anxiety.
Doubt.
Probably some fear.
All flashing through the Jaredites’ minds to some degree.
But what did the Jaredites choose to do?
“They did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.” (Ether 6:9)
I’ve always loved the holiday of Thanksgiving!
It’s fun to hear all the people around me express their gratitude for the things they are thankful for.
But when we focus on our “gratitude list,” it can be easy to be jealous of what others have.
Or it can even be tempting to wallow in self-pity for what we are missing out on.
Instead, we can take inspiration from the Jaredites and feel joy and gratitude to the Lord no matter our circumstances.
“I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.” – Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Whether we are trapped in a tiny wooden barge traveling hundreds of miles through the ocean.
Whether we are dealing with other really rough times.
Whether we are concerned for the wellbeing of others.
We can always choose to feel gratitude to the God who gives us life and love.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
