Thanksgiving

I haven't posted in awhile, but today I have some thoughts that I must share. I accompanied my little sisters and some of the young women from my ward to a nursing home. We sang hymns and walked up and down halls with sleeping or otherwise idle patients. Some, including Brother Johnson, followed us around the home in their wheelchairs. Some listening but pretending not to care, and some that sat in the foyer to listen as well. Down the last hall, we sang Silent Night. My arms were linked with my friends and a patient with beautiful red hair and misty eyes took my hand, and kissed it. She pulled me closer and I hugged her. We exchanged no words. But I felt this overwhelming spirit about her. Gratitude. 

As Thanksgiving approaches I want to remember the soft red in her hair when I see the soft red in the changing leaves. I want to remember that look in her eyes forever. 

That is what Thanksgiving is all about. It's not the food, it's not always the family, either. It's about recognizing everything that you have, thanking Heavenly Father for those things, and showing Him how you are grateful.

 In my lesson today I drew a trunk on the board and labeled it "The Thankful Tree." As each child listed something they were thankful for I drew a leaf on the tree. I taught them ways that they can show Heavenly Father they are grateful for what they have, such as keeping the sabbath day holy and praying, and service. 

Today is just a reminder day for me, I think, because service is one of my favorite things in the world. As the woman kissed my hand I remember thinking, "What have I done? Can I really be that angelic in someone's eyes? Does she see me?"

But she did see me. Not as I do, but as Hravenly Father wants me to see myself. Helping others. Being kind, humble, attentive, loving, and grateful. 

I am so grateful for this gospel. Everyone says that they don't know where they would be without the gospel, but I know where I would be. I know what I would do, and I'm so eternally grateful that I have been so blessed to know the truth.