What am I grateful for?

November is a traditional month in the United States to consider the blessings God has given us. We have one day to celebrate called Thanksgiving.  I remember having a Thanksgiving meal during 1971 in Canoas which is a city in South Brazil.  The good sister who found and cooked us a turkey did not know why we American missionaries were so excited to eat and celebrate on that day. That day is just a faded memory for me now. But, a cherished faded memory nonetheless.

This has been a challenging year for me in a number of ways.  I have wished from time to time that I could spend a few minutes with my Mother and/or Father to talk about some of those challenges. They were wise, practical and seemed to have wonderful ways to deal with life's challenges.  I read a blog by my son-in-law the other day about a sister of his that passed away shortly after birth. It has caused me to reflect about my parents who are now deceased and their ongoing influence in my life.

I realized after reading that blog, that I am still feeling the influence of my dear parents in my life. Is that influence coming from the other side? Or is it just their teachings from my youth that have taken root in my heart that keep me going?  I seem to understand on needed occasions what I should do.  I am grateful for their continued influence in my life.  My mother's birthday is this month. She would be 98 if still alive.  Today is my Grandmother's birthday on my Dad's side. She would be 122 years old if she was still alive on this earth. Her influence is still in my life too. Her husband, my grandfather, died when I was only three. I can only remember a feeling I have about him. I have no other recollections--only a feeling.  His humor and love of popcorn seem to be some qualities I inherited from him. 

So, at this time of year, I consider my blessings. First and foremost is God, His son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. I acknowledge their place in my life and guiding influence. Secondly, I am grateful for families. I have always cherished my family but the feeling continues to grow stronger.  My immediate family of Father, Mother and siblings serves as a foundation for my life.  It was in that setting I learned so much. Later, my strong desire to marry led me to a farm girl from Lake Point. She electrified me the very first time I ever met her. I still to this day, remember what dress she was wearing as we stood on a hardwood floor after church.  One December night in 1973, we stood outside of the North Visitors Center at Salt Lake Temple Square.  The snow was falling gently. We stood and observed the Christus Statue which was visible from the window of the building. I thought to myself that I would like to ask her to marry me. But, I thought, "it is not time yet." I didn't realize that at the same time I was thinking this, she was thinking that, "I hope he asks me to marry him."  The quiet night, the falling snow, the beautiful girl and the peace of the square while looking at the Christus is a memory to cherish.  Now, we have daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren. All are great blessings in my life.  

I have many more which I may share with my family as we visit on Thanksgiving day. In church today, I pondered a scripture while listening to a speaker. 

"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."

May I never have His wrath be kindled against me. May I always remember my blessings and confess them to Him and others.