Taking the World for Granted

I feel we need to devote more of our prayers to expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving for blessings already received.  We enjoy so much" (President Ezra Taft Benson).

A few weeks ago on one of my daily walks I saw a few runners go by and thought to myself, “I wish I could go on a run!”  After all, I used to be able to; running, backpacking, hiking, all kinds of things.  I started thinking about some of my broken dreams.  Because besides my mediocre health I didn’t finish my mission, I had to abandon a promising military academy application, I still couldn’t go to school, my social life was lame, and my 6 months of partial isolation from the world were making it difficult to function in it.  (Naturally feelings of self-pity began to surface).

Then I shook my head and thought about how I lucky I was to be on a walk.  After all, I couldn’t always go walking every day!  Lots of people can’t go on walks.  Lots of people are much less fortunate than I am.  I take so much for granted.  Wonderful parents, fun siblings, good friends, a nice house, microwaves, a big backyard, a good education, financial stability, the ability to see and smell and feel, a free and stable country.

I did the dishes the other day and it made me happy because I didn’t have to take breaks in between every other plate!  And aren’t dishwashers amazing?  I can clean, I can cook, I can take care of myself, I can walk, I can use stairs, I can get out of bed, I can make the bed, I can sit down and read a book…all things that at one point last year I could not do.

I can sit through all three hours of church on Sunday. I can spend time on a computer and vast online database researching my family history. I have the privilege of serving part time as a Family Search Missionary.  I have access to the restored and full gospel of Jesus Christ.  I live in the United States of America.  I live one mile away from the temple.  I see the sunset every day from my apartment window.  There is food on my table, money in my bank account, peace in my home, and joy in my life. 

So what if I can’t go on a run.



My whole life I have taken the world for granted, as so many do.  Sometimes I start listing burdens when I should be counting blessings!  Blessings always outnumber burdens.  How patient our Heavenly Father is with us.  How deeply He must love us.  It amazes me that He still wants us all back when we are so imperfect and selfish and ungrateful, but I am so glad that He does!  He continues to bless us and He continues to trust us and He will always love us infinitely and unconditionally.  How often I take that love for granted.

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