Consider the Blessings

Consider this quote from our Prophet President Thomas S. Monson. "We live in a unique time in the world's history. We are blessed with so very much. And yet it is sometimes difficult to view the problems and permissiveness around us and not become discouraged. I have found that, rather then dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness." (Consider the Blessings Oct. 2012 Gen. Conference italics added) What simple and yet profound counsel from our inspired Prophet. We each have blessings in our lives but sometimes we fail to recognize them. Too often we are like Zerahemnah in the Book of Mormon and neglect the Lord's goodness to bless us.

He was a leader of the Lamanites who fought against and eventually lost to captain Moroni. Clearly the Nephites had received help from on high during their battles and it is interesting to note the response of Zerahemnah. He says, "Behold, we are not of your faith; we do not believe that it is God that has delivered us into your hands; but we believe that it is your cunning that has preserved you from our swords. Behold, it is your breastplates and your shields that have preserved you." (Alma 44:9 italics added) We may choose to look to another source other than God for an answer as to where our blessings come from. But that doesn't change the fact that in reality they came from Him. We have all heard of the glass of water as being half empty or half full. But if we look closely enough we will realize that is a blessing from God that there is even any water in the glass in the first place. "Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?" (Mormon 9:16) I know that if we will consider the blessings that we have in our lives then we will find greater joy in each day. The Lord has blessed us with so much more then we can ever fully comprehend. We just have to open our eyes and soften our hearts to recognize His goodness to each one of us. Consider your blessings everyday this week and I know that you will see a big difference in all that you do. Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.