A lot of good things have happened to my wife and I over the last few weeks.  We recently found out that we are going to have a baby girl.  We also just purchased our first home and are now on night three at the new place.  Everyone is healthy and we have the love and support of our families.  Despite all of these blessings I have focused on all the things that aren't "perfect" in my life.  I haven't had very much success in finding an internship in my field of study.  Instead I am working in a warehouse doing things that aren't remotely related to my field of study.  This has caused me to do more than my fair share of complaining.  Despite everything else going right in my life I have been chosen to dwell on a little hiccup along my path of life.

The Book of Mormon begins with an account of a family warned by the Lord to flee Jerusalem because of the city's wickedness.  The father of the household, Lehi, left his home and all he had and headed into the wilderness with his family.  He was a wealthy man, but was willing to give up whatever was necessary to follow the Lord.

Lehi had several sons that went with him into the wilderness along with his wife Sariah and daughters as well. His youngest son, Nephi, was a grateful man.  In 1 Nephi 17:1-3 it says:

"1 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.

 2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.

 3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness."

I know that I don't have that kind of gratitude yet, not even close.  Here they were traveling in the wilderness.  This was a permanent thing, not a weekend camping trip.  The brothers wives were having children in the wilderness.  My wife is staying in a hospital with the latest technology and amenities.  I'm sure food had to be gathered and hunted daily so they would not starve.  And after all of this they are eating their meat raw.  What Nephi focuses on though are the blessings that were coming from the Lord.  He was grateful for healthy children that were receiving enough nourishment and the fact that everyone was strong and able to bear the difficulties of the journey.

I know personally the times I have been most grateful are the times I have felt the greatest happiness.  Often I am always looking ahead to what I can do next or what next achievement or accomplishment I can obtain.  While it is good to be ambitious I know that if we forget the blessings that are in front of us and take the time to appreciate them, we will be missing out and I feel that Heavenly Father will be a little sad.  After all it is because of Him we breathe, have fulfilling marriages, children, careers; all those things in life that make life so wonderful.  I know as we take the time to thank Him for what we have, He is willing to give us more in His own timing and if we are willing to go about and do productive things.

One does not have to have a lot of material possessions to be content and happy.  Personal satisfaction comes from gratitude, obedience to God's commandments, and giving to others.  Sometimes it seems counter intuitive, but it works.  Try it out for yourself and you'll know that it's true.

Ingratitude only brings complaining, loss of time, and misery.  There are so many things that are done for us by our Heavenly Father that often we choose not to see or do not ever realize.  Even the small things that seem to be "coincidences" are God's way of showing that He knows what is going on in our lives and that He loves us.  For example yesterday my wife called me from work saying that she had a flat tire.  I was definitely not using the gratitude card at the moment.  However, she had forgotten to take off roadside assistance so we were able to tow the car to the nearest Big-O-Tire store for free.  The gash on the tire was on the outside so the problem was easy to identify.  The tire didn't pop or go flat while she drove to work.  Because the tire was under warranty we were able to get the tire replaced without having to pay for a new one.  My wife pointed all these things out to me and it was just eye opening to consider all the "luck" we had.

I have so much, many have much.  In doctrine and covenants 59:21 the Lord reveals:

  "21 And 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."

I know these things are true.  I know that God is preparing greater things for us than what our world has to offer.  Maybe some of us will have a big house, a nice car, and a cushy life, but at the same time we may miss out on a lot of experiences that are more than worth their weight in gold.  I know that Heavenly Father loves us each and every one of His children.  I know that we are being watched over far more than we could ever realize.  I am grateful for Him.  I am also grateful for His Son Jesus Christ.  For which there could be no hope for better things if it had not been for Him.  I know we ought to be especially grateful that mistakes can be erased, burdens can be lifted, and trials can be overcome because of Him.  I love Him.  I say these things in His name, even Jesus Christ.