20 I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi. I have reason to bless my God and my Savior Jesus Christ, that he brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, (and no one knew it save it were himself and those whom he brought out of that land) and that he hath given me and my people so much knowledge unto the salvation of our souls.
(3 Nephi 5:20)
Anyone who is familiar with Mormon’s life might question his optimism in this verse. He saw his people reject the word of God, commit horrific acts of violence, and plunge toward destruction. He told his son that their people were “without principle, and past feeling,” and that the suffering of women and children among them was beyond words (Moroni 9:20-21). Yet at this point in Nephite history, just after the Nephites’ victory over the army of Giddianhi and just before the chaos and destruction which preceded the appearance of Jesus Christ, he wrote an editorial note in which he expressed gratitude to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for the blessings he and his people had received. He specifically thanked Them for two things:
- Bringing his people out of the land of Jerusalem
- Giving them so much knowledge
It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding. (“Grateful in Any Circumstances,” General Conference, April 2014).
Today, I will be grateful for the blessings I and my family enjoy. In particular, I will remember the simple things which are easy to take for granted, including a wonderful place to live and a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I will focus on these great blessings rather than on the challenges I face or the difficulties I may experience. I will remember that, like Mormon, “I have reason to bless my God.”