10 years ago, President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke to the youth and gave them a short & sweet, but powerful message that came to be known as "the 6 B's". I have a little pillow on my couch with the 6 B's, and the first one says BE GRATEFUL.
In a devotional address given at BYU on October 31st, 2000, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, (it's kind of cool that the B in his name stands for the same thing as the B in President Hinckley's name...Bitner)
"Gratitude is a commandment of the Father. 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things' (D&C 59:7)...He has admonished that 'in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments' (D&C 59:21)...Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character...In the Book of Mormon we learn that we should 'live in thanksgiving daily' (Alma 34:38) Isn't that a wonderful thought to live in thanksgiving daily? Can you imagine how your life would improve if others did the same? Do you think the world would be a happier place? less stressful? less angry? more spiritual? ...We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable."
I LOVE this incredibly insightful quote! My summer vacation goal? To be as grateful as I can...even in the midst of kid messes, mom's taxi service, and the craziness of summer activities...there's always something to be thankful for. The blue sky & stars at night, the buzz of children in the home, the freedom we enjoy, and even the sticky, popsicle drips on the floor can give me a reason to have a grateful heart. After all, being a wife & mother has always been my fondest dream. "Thanks for the work kids. My life is my dream."
