Tuesday, November 22, 2016

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on having gratitude in times of trial

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (1940- ) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.
"Sooner or later, I believe that all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift.
"It can happen to anyone. No one is immune.
"Everyone's situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.
"We can be grateful!
"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."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances," Ensign, May 2014, pp. 70-77
Click here to read the full article

President Uchtdorf uses dramatic language to describe some of the times of great challenge we encounter in life, when we feel like "the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift." For most of us, times of such extremity are rare; but we may, from time to time, feel portions of that depth of emotion as we face the various challenges that mortality presents to us.

So how to we "take away the bitterness" of those times? President Uchtdorf suggests that the key lies in gratitude; and he acknowledges the apparent paradox this presents:



Finding ways to be grateful in times of challenge is an important skill to cultivate during the smaller challenges of everyday life, so that when a larger crisis hits, we'll be prepared with the skills that we have practiced. When we learn to live in gratitude daily in any circumstance, we are truly blessed.

2 comments:

  1. I am glad to read this right now, it just hit the point and touched my heart.it is my best gift for thanks giving. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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