Developing and Attitude of Gratitude – Day 4

Today, as I studied 2 Nephi 4 for my scripture study, I was reminded of two important principles. 

First of all, I must say how beautiful this chapter truly is.   I love the great list of qualities of the Savior it provides.  As I read I was reminded of how thankful I was for each of these qualities as He manifests them in my own life.

I am grateful for the knowledge, and the experiences that have taught me, that Christ supports us.

I am grateful that the Christ leads us through the wilderness of temptations and afflictions.

I am grateful that Christ preserves us.

I am grateful that Christ fill us with His love.  

I am grateful that Christ will confound our enemies.

I am grateful that Jesus listens to our prayers.

I am grateful that Christ gives us knowledge and reveals things as we seek them.

I am grateful that Christ sends angels to assist us and to lift us in times of need.

I am grateful that the Savior blesses us with His Spirit.

I am grateful Jesus is my Friend, my Shepherd, my Redeemer, and my King.

I am grateful that the Savior understands me and knows how best to help me become my best me.

I am grateful for my developing relationship with Him.  I am hoping that a year of looking for His hand in my life will help me to know Him better… not just about Him, but to truly know Him.

Today I am grateful for a new refreshing insight to this passage of scripture I have gained.  I admit I’ve had some help that nudged me along the way.  I read a blog of a fellow blogger that got me thinking.  You can read that post here.  This blogger brought up how amazing it was that Nephi choose to combat his frustration and impatience with his family by remembering and praising the Savior.  I can tell you from experience that this is an amazing feat.  It takes great personal strengthen and conviction to remember blessings in the middle of feeling frustrated, angry, and afflicted.  Been there.  Done that.  It is not my usual “go to,” my usual remedy for suffering and loss of peace.  This blogger pointed out that in the moment of Nephi’s grief and loss of the Spirit, he praised God.  She then asked the question, “When was the last time you sat down and pondered and wrote about the Savior?  When was the last time you praised Him?”

I’ve been thinking about these questions for several hours today.  I didn’t attend church today because I am still a little under the weather.  I have been feeling a little frustrated with my own shortcomings.  I have been feeling overwhelmed with all that is happening around me and frustrated with the lack of control that I feel.  However, this time to ponder has given me insight that Nephi understood.

Nephi said “… For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.” – 2 Nephi 4:15

Today I learned more about the Savior, Jesus Christ by reading and studying and pondering my scriptures.  I know I learn about the Savior in my church services, but today I learned about Him pondering in my heart.  However, I learned today that in making an effort to praise Him I have more fully realized His influence in my life.

An attitude of gratitude has taught me more about my Savior.