An Attitude of Gratitude

As I continue to embark on my Entrepreneurial Journey, I have spent the last seven weeks focusing on discovering who I am, creating a life of meaning, creating core values, finding my hero's journey, the power of execution, and the importance of being a lifelong learner.  While each of these weeks have posed an incredible learning and growth opportunities, this week's lesson on the important of gratitude has hit me the most.     

I have read, pondered and have thought a lot about President Monson's talk on "An Attitude of Gratitude."  President Monson started his talk with the story of the ten lepers.  This story has always touched me and has served as a reminder that I must always be thankful for every blessing that Father in Heaven has given me.  I have questioned time and time again, how nine people could be cured from such a devastating disease and not stop to even give thanks.  I cannot image the disappointment of Christ as he changed their lives and yet only a single person thanked him.  Gratitude is so important and I pray that I do a better job giving thanks.  

President Monson counseled us to give thanks to our mothers, fathers, teachers, friends, country, and most importantly, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  While this charge from President Monson seems so easy, I have struggled to adequately give thanks to the above mentioned.  Through a challenging childhood, giving thanks has not always been easy for me.  Yes, I am absolutely thankful for the blessings that I have been given and know without a shadow of a doubt, all that I have has come from the Lord.  For this, I will always give thanks. On a deeper and more personal level however, I give the following thanks. 

To my mother...  Thank you for giving me life.  Thank you for not abandoning me when times became challenging.  I understand your upbringing was terrible and you did the best you could to raise me and my brother.  I have learned that being a mother is not easy, and I am thankful for all you have done for me.  You are the most caring person I know.  You taught me at a young age to give to others.  You raised me to help the kids who were picked on feel safe and appreciated, and you taught me to give to the homeless or anyone in need.  I know you feel guilty for the life we were raised in and wish you could have done more, but we are who we are today because of our childhood.  Your example of service to others has become one of my strongest talents.  You showed me that you would give your own shirt off your back for the benefit of others.  Your example will for always be with me.  Thank you!

To my biological father... While I will always question why you left before meeting me and never searching for me, I am thankful for the person I have come to be.  I am thankful that if you felt you could not raise me that you would allow me to have a father who could.  I am thankful that 41 years later you were willing to meet me.  I am thankful that Heavenly Father has allowed me to meet the other 5 siblings that are now a part of me because we share the same father.  I love them and am so thankful to now have them a part of my life. I do not hold any grudges and I would imagine the guilt you feel is often times unbearable.  Please let that guilt go!  I am thankful for you. 

To my father... Thank you for taking me in as your own.  Thank you for treating me as your own daughter and for being my biggest fan.  I will always remember the many yards you ran down the football field on the sidelines as I was in the game.  Thank you for working to provide for our family.  Thank you for your support.  Like mom, I know you live a life a guilt, but please don't.  We are who we are today because of our lives.  Im thankful for your love. I am thankful for your support and dedication.  I am thankful for the love you show my children. 

To Ms. Tubbs and Mrs. Carrol... Thank you for being amazing teachers.  Thank you for believing in me and never giving up on.  Thank you for your support through my high school sporting events and helping me understand my love for business.  Thank you for seeing something special in me and for helping me discover my talents.  Teachers like you make all the difference.  I graduated many, many years ago, yet the memories of your classrooms still fill my mind and heart.  Thank you. 

To my friends and family...  Thank you!  You have been by my side through every moment of my life.  You have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, yet continue to love me.  Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and for bringing out the best in me.  I have been blessed with an incredible support system.  I know I do thank you enough and for that I apologize.  I have given you many reasons to leave me, but you have not.  I am nothing without you. Thank you.  

To my country... I live in a land of freedom.  Thank you.  Thank you for allowing me to have an opinion and to be respected for my views.  Thank you for allowing me to raise my children in a save environment full of of opportunities.  A special thanks to all those who fight daily for our freedom.  You sacrifice your life to save mine.  Thank you.

Finally, thank you to my Savior, Jesus Christ.  Only through you can I have eternal life.  Only through you can I be forgiven of my sins and washed clean.  Your suffering to overcome sin and death for me is unimaginable. I am forever indebted to you.  Words cannot adequately express the love and gratitude I have for you.  Thank you for loving me enough to give your life for mine.  Thank you for your selfless example of love, compassion, empathy, service and dedication.  Thank you for knowing who I am.  I love you.  Thank you. 

Count your many blessings.  Name them one by one.  Gratitude is the key to success.  This reflection serves as my reminder of the many blessings that I have been given.  May I continue to be grateful in this life and the life to come.