Saturday, November 20, 2010

Attitude of Gratitude

Today has been an awful day. I know that this is a horrible depressing way to start a blog post, but there is an important lesson I have learned from this rotten day.
I woke up this morning grumpy and tired. Josh went to play frisbee early with other members from church. I am usually fine with this but since JJ got his helmet, nights have been a bit longer around here. I got up to take care of my beautiful child and felt no joy. I sat on the couch as he cheerfully played in his exersaucer. I thought to myself "how can he be so cheerful with that horrible thing on his head?" but he was as cheery as one could be. Meanwhile I was praying for his nap time to come quickly so I could go back to bed. This is how most of my day went. I just kept waiting for my day to begin and it really never did.
I have plenty to do and a huge exam to study for but for some reason my bad attitude kept me from progressing today. It was like a huge brick wall I didn't even attempt to break down. Instead I took a nap next to it and pouted about the cold weather.

Josh saw I was having a rough day so he decided to take me out to dinner. I would usually be elated over this venture but once again decided to complain how it gets dark at 4:30 and how my whole day is ruined because of it.
I have had many trials here in Chicago. Weather being one of them. Loneliness being another, or the horrible traffic or how dangerous it is. I have allowed these simple things affect my happiness and joy I feel in my life or lack thereof. I feel as though I have been acting so ungrateful after all my Father in Heaven has given me. I need to sit back and take in the bliss he wants me to feel. He has poured blessings upon me and he continues to do so. I have a beautiful baby boy, GORGEOUS! A loving and supportive husband. But what beats it all is that I know I have a Father in heaven you loves and cherishes me. I know I have a Savior who has atoned for my sins. The Lord has commanded us to do all things cheerfully. When I think of this I am reminded to not only do all things with good cheer but with an attitude of gratitude and be grateful for what I have been given.
This morning instead of being upset about the lack of sleep I got, I should have been grateful for the extra time I have been allowed to spend with my child.
Instead of complaining about how dark it is getting, I needed to show more gratitude towards my husband for taking a break from his busy school schedule to take out his whiny wife on a date.
Hopefully I have learned something from today and next time will remember President Monson's words as he spoke of the Savior "Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude."

Here are a few blessings in my life I am very grateful for.


This guy can always bring a smile to my face. I want to absorb him into my body. He is so happy and always smiles at strangers and we all know how contagious smiles are.
"A smile is very catchy.
And so when I feel sad,
I try to give a smile away,
And soon I’m feeling glad! "
I love these crazy people! They seriously rock! They are all so different and bring so many different blessings into my life. They are my lifeline.
Everyone needs a friend, and this is about the best they come. The kind that always know what to say. The kind that will love you always no matter what. I am so grateful that I have a friend like this. They are one in a million and not everyone finds one.

Above all I am grateful for this amazing guy who was crazy enough to marry me and loves me for all that I am. You are my rock and the shoulder I cry on. I love you more than words can say. Kocham ciebie.

3 comments:

Lisa said...

Barbie, I think you're fabulous in all ways. I think once a week I say to someone how much I like you.

I enjoyed your post. And I needed to hear it.

The Westbrooks said...

Yeah, I'm with Lisa on this one. Thanks for posting-I needed to hear it too.

Lily said...

What a beautiful post. It reminds me of 2 Nephi 4. And I agree with the comment above--I'm always telling Abe how much I like you! You are a wonderful person.