Attitude of Gratitude

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be. I'be been working each day at changing my health by changing myself. Creating that attitude of thankfulness and gratitude. I have been given so much in my life and would be remiss if I didn't say so. I have a sign above my computer that I reference often. So often. It says, "Note to self: I Am Enough" Each day is ours for the taking. I can choose to focus on my limitations or to focus on all that I can do and to set goals to do more. I remember going up the slide the wrong way as a child. The slides were slippery and sometimes you'd fall backwards, regain your footing and then climb again. Upon occasion you'd even slide all the way back to the bottom. It didn't deter me at the time from hoping up and climbing again. Why allow the slips of life to keep us from the fun of climbing up and the accomplishment of making it to the top? I am committed each day to climbing. I slip lots. Sometimes it hurts more than others but in the end I get each new day to try it again. There's a quote from one of the apostle's of my church, in regard to My Savior Jesus Christ that says,"Only one who has taken the full brunt of such adversity could ever be justified in telling us in such times to “be of good cheer.” Such counsel is not a jaunty pep talk about the power of positive thinking, though positive thinking is much needed in the world. No, Christ knows better than all others that the trials of life can be very deep and we are not shallow people if we struggle with them. But even as the Lord avoids sugary rhetoric, He rebukes faithlessness and He deplores pessimism. He expects us to believe!" I believe. I believe in new days and new beginnings. I believe in climbing each day if I have to just to experience the fun of the slide back down. "You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.” Here's to smiling another day, smothering out the sadness so that the smoke will give light to the sun, the blessings of this life and the new day that's mine for climbing.