Christmas music.
I know. Christmas music is a magical and joyful thing! But for me it signifies the start of the Christmas season, and that didn't start until after Thanksgiving dinner while I was growing up. But that's besides the point. Anyways, many people say this as a reason to listen to Christmas music right after Halloween, "Well if there were Thanksgiving songs then I would listen to those but there aren't."
Well world, I am here to tell you that there is a Thanksgiving song! (At least in my opinion.)
- 'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
- 'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
- To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,
- Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.
Happiness should NEVER be placed on things. Material things, or even non-material things! If it is, it's not true happiness. And it won't last.
The bottom line is, true happiness is never conditional. Not on anything.
However, my favorite part of "Simple Gifts" is this line: when true simplicity is gained, to bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed to turn... til we come 'round right. We all make mistakes in life. I have found myself a time or another, turning and turning. Running around in circles, trying to figure out my life. Figuring out how to make it better, and how to make myself better. I'm human; we all are. So I'm not perfect and making mistake after mistake is very frustrating. But the lyrics of this old folk song give us the answer! Turning will be our delight once true simplicity is gained.
True simplicity. Well, I don't know how to gain that or what it would really look like, but in light of my blog post last month, I've been trying to be more grateful. (With Thanksgiving here, it's perfect timing, right?!) But especially be more grateful for the simple things. So I know that everyone and their dog has done this, but every single day for the past month, I have found one thing I was grateful for each day. Thought I would share.
My Countdown of Thanks:
1. My husband doing the dishes
1. My husband doing the dishes
2. My little nephew Daxton. I cannot stand how cute he is!
3. Sunday dinner with the family
4. Recorded TV - NO commercials. That's the only way to watch TV.
5. Early shifts at work. I can come home when it's still light out!
6. The miracle of Skype. It lets me see my family who are afar, including my adorable nieces, Kyrah and Sydnee!
7. Yummy new recipes from my co-workers. Shout out to mini chicken pot pies!
8. Our bed. It's awesome.
9. Modern medicine! I would die from migraines without it. (How did people survive before??)
10. Movies. It is amazing how much time and effort goes into an epic production! Also, I love popcorn.
11. Instant comfort that comes from prayer.
12. Sweet and fun co-workers that make working worth it. Well, that and getting paid...
13. Instant communication. Email, phone calling, texting, endless possibilities.
14. Science. It's amazing what truths we have been able to discover! I like to believe that when we discover truths of the universe, it's like peering into the way that God works.
15. Central heating
16. Instant cereal. My favorite food. Whoever invented cereal is getting a HUGE hug from me in heaven.
17. Primary. I love that the church has a place for beautiful children to go and learn about the Gospel and feel of the Spirit. They have such faith and are so close to our Heavenly Father.
18. The crisp cool feeling of the air in Fall. I will never get sick of it.
19. Restaurants. Delicious food, ready to eat at a decision's notice! And you don't even have to clean up.
20. Modern transportation. Lets me take a much-needed nap on the way home from work.
21. Incredibly grateful for my husband! And that he's my best friend. And that he can make me smile and laugh, even when I'm feeling sick, exhausted and grumpy. Oh, and that he still loves me despite all of that.
22. To have a job! (I have to remind myself to be grateful of this one frequently...)
23. That I have family living so close!
24. Fingernail clippers. Seriously, how did people trim their fingernails before?
25. The holy scriptures and words from our modern prophets. They will never lead you astray! Isn't that so amazing?! And such a blessing.
26. That clementines are in season. That means Christmas is right around the corner!
27. My ancestors and everyone who has come before me. My parents, my in-laws and my whole family. They have taught me so much and have loved me unconditionally. I love them all with my whole heart!
28. And of course, my Father in Heaven and His Son, my elder brother, Jesus Christ. Their guidance and companionship is what gets me through this life and I know it is only through Heavenly Father's plan and Christ's ultimate sacrifice that we are able to live with Him again for eternity.
Lesson I've learned: If you want to happy, be grateful for something simple each and every day.
Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Courtesy of one of Jonathan's students while he was substituting teaching at an Elementary School :)
YES!! A S/O to the chicken pot pies! I'm so glad you're as thankful for them as we are!
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