This section of the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet is one of the shortest, but oh what a difference it makes in your life! Many of us have heard President Monson talk about an “attitude of gratitude” and how it will make our lives seem happier and more bountiful.
This section of the pamphlet also has a parable attached to teach the principle. The parable of the ten lepers (found in Luke 17:12-19) illustrates this standard beautifully. In this parable, Christ encounters ten lepers, who beg him to heal them. He takes mercy on them, and sends them to the priest. As they obey his command, they are all healed of their horrible ailment. However, only one returns to give gratitude to the Lord.
To anyone reading this account, the simple act of thanking the Lord for his healing power seems obvious and requisite. But how often does the Lord perform small acts of mercy in our lives that we take for granted or don’t recognize as we go on our way?
The pamphlet advises members to find things to be grateful for even in (and especially in) times of trial. I love how this is reiterated in the hymn Count Your Many Blessings. I know that if I’m starting to feel pity for myself or think I’ve got it hard, a list of my blessings helps me understand just how much I have to be grateful for. And the more specific you are as you list your blessings, the more you realize how much the Lord has given you. Even your darkest trials have hidden blessings in them.
A couple of specific ways we can show gratitude mentioned in this section are to remember to be grateful during our personal prayers and by serving others. Finding things to thank the Lord for before asking for help or guidance shows a humility and a willingness to acknowledge His hand in our lives. It also softens our hearts to realizing the number of blessings we receive that we might otherwise take for granted.
Service to others is an incredible way to show gratitude. We are often the subjects of simple service, and when we turn around and perform services for others (no matter how big or small) we show our gratitude to Heavenly Father for what He has given us. It also makes us happy and satisfied, which are fabulous side effects.
Related Blogs:
For the Strength of Youth Series
For the Strength of Youth Series: Agency and Accountability