Thanksgiving Is Where Gratitude Begins, Not Where It Ends

It was either at General Conference or Stake Conference this week that someone said the quote above.  I've been thinking about this alot, the things I am grateful for, and thought I would make a list (because that's what I'm good at).  Now, I realize it's past midnight and I'm just sitting down to write something, so this list is by no means comprehensive.  In fact, I'm going to try to add items to the list until Thanksgiving.

• My family.  Honestly, how could I not start out with this one?  I mean, truthfully, we're a wacky bunch of people.  But I have been so blessed to be a part of a loving family.  Sisters that are outstanding women with so much ability to do good in the world.  My father is an amazing man (who is by no means perfect) that has always treated us children and my mother with the utmost love and respect.  My mother is a woman who puts everyone else before herself, often foregoing much needed personal attention in order to care for someone else.  I truly have been blessed.
• The gospel.  Recently I was talking to a Jewish friend of mine and we were talking about how she had been assaulted earlier in the year.  We talked about the gospel for a moment, and I felt a surge of appreciation for the Atonement that allows us to not only recieve a remission of our sins, but helps us to be strengthened in our adversities.
• The Savior.  In the same conversation with this friend, she told me that if it "wasn't for the whole Jesus thing, then Christianity kind of makes sense" (or something like that).  I kind of shook my head at that, because really?  Like how do you begin to describe who Jesus Christ is?  How do you describe what the Atonement feels like?  How do you explain the hope of the Ressurrection?  Or the power of the priesthood?  Jesus Christ is way more than "a thing" he's everything.  I've also been reading "Mere Christianity" by CS Lewis and "Jesus the Christ" by James E Talmage (along with my scriptures that I should focus more fully on).  But really, how can you explain the importance of a Savior?  Easy.  You bear your testimony.  I am so awestruck at the pure joy that comes from implementing the Atonement in my life.  I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ was my personal Savior--and really, that is the whole Jesus Christ thing.  Again--the Savior means everything.
• School.  Wow! I never thought I'd say that one ;)  But, I read a study recently that talked about the divorce rate of students in law school--it's astounding.  I will forever be thankful for the opportunity I've had to go to school and fulfill a dream I've had for as long as I can remember.  This feeling--this absolute joy at being able to accomplish something that I've always wanted to--it's indescribable.
• Stuff.  I know, this one sounds stupid, but hang in there with me.  I know that it's bad to covet, it's wrong to obsess over material things...but I don't think it's wrong to be grateful for my laptop.  Or my used furniture that I got off Craig's List.  I am grateful that I have the opportunity to live in a time with electricity and fun stuff that I get to utilize to further my education or learn new things.  Television, the internet, computers, fall into this category.  My sheets (that I love) fall into this one too.
• Peanut Butter M&Ms and Pretzlels.  Among other things, this has become one of my favorite snacks of late.  It is an amazing feeling to find joy in something so simple.  I would have to lump other foods into this category--spinach, tunafish, egg-drop soup, dumplings--I will admit that I absolutely adore certain foods.  I am grateful for the opportunity to enjoy, to experience, and to relish in tasting healthy (or somewhat less so) food.
• ARIZONA.  I love living in Arizona!  The best part?  THERE IS NO SNOW!  Now I believe snow is a good idea in theory, but I've lived in Utah way too long to have much affinity toward the cold white fluff.  I mean, driving in it is a monstrosity.  Walking around, even if you are walking on a cleared path, your shoes get wet, your pants get soaked...it's miserable!  Not to mention the fact that SNOW IS COLD.  I don't like being cold.  SO, I am so completely thankful that I live in Arizona where I would have to drive out of my way to find the snow in November!  I don't even have my heat on!
• The ability to read.  This one might seem so trivial, but I assure you it is not.  I lived in Taiwan a year and a half where I couldn't read, and it was the most frustrating thing in the world.  I am thankful for the educational opportunities where I've been afforded the chance to learn this vital skill, and that I've been capable of it.
• The Piano.  I remember being 14 years old and having my mother tell me that one day I would regret not practicing the piano.  I scoffed at her, looked her dead in the eyes, and retorted "No way.  That will never happen."  As usual, I was wrong and my mother was right.  I wish I had learned to play the piano masterfully.  Alas, this error is something I will always be thankful for, because it--along with all the teams I quit or the things I stopped trying for--remind me that I hate being a quiter.  And because I hate being a quiter, I feel driven to actualize dreams that I once believed were only lofty, hazy wishes.  I am grateful for ambition that drives me to accomplish goals.
• My nephew.  I'm not one to brag--okay, I am, but that's beside the point--but I would be amiss to leave my little Buster friend off this list.  Sometimes, I'll go over to Kristen's house to babysit and Joel will just grin.  He's so adorable, and I am grateful that I get to know this precious little boy.

Well, that's all for now folks, I'm starting to feel sleepy and I have to get up for Ward Council tomorrow.