I have learned there is always something to complain about in life. If you look for negativity, it will most certainly come to you. I catch myself complaing from time to time, or wishing certain things were different. I'm sure it happens more often then I realize, and I truly need to express more gratitude in my life. I have so much to be grateful for!
First of all, I am thankful to be married to Jaren. I have a fabulous husband who is my best friend. I would rather spend time with him than anyone else. He is kind and understanding. He makes me laugh every day. We definitely don't have a "perfect" marriage, but we are continually helping each other grow and become better people. I had someone (in their 50's) tell me the other day that I was lucky to have fallen in love and to be married at my age. This comment caught me by surprise. In Utah, it seems as if everyone is married young. But as I thought about what this person said to me, I realized how true it rang. If you have found someone you love to go through life with, to help you through your "downs" and share with you the joy in your "ups" you are truly blessed. I didn't plan on marrying young, but I am so grateful we found each other! I love Jaren and I feel so blessed and grateful for our marriage. Marriage is wonderful, and I feel it is important to stand up for the importance of marriage, especially because it is becoming less and less common, and unfortunately viewed as less important throughout the world.
I'm grateful for family! I was born into the most loving, kind family that anyone could hope for, My parents and sister are such a amazing example of generosity, love, and service. We are all very close, and this is something I definitely cherish! I also married into a wonderful family! I truly love them and appreciate what great examples they are. My extended family is amazing, too. Family is truly a great blessing.
I am thankful for education and work. With the economy the way it is, I realize many people are out of work at this time. I have talked to several people who have lost jobs, many through no fault of their own, and I can see the worry in their eyes. Although it is easy to complain about getting up early on a Saturday morning to go to work (when I think I'd rather sleep in), I am thankful for my job. I have a great boss who appreciates and listens to me. I work with wonderful people! My job is a huge blessing to Jaren and I at this time in our lives, especially with Jaren going to school. I am also grateful for Jaren's job. He works part-time right now, mostly so we can have insurance (another thing to be grateful for). I appreciate our opportunity to work.
Good health is always something to be grateful for. At my job I also interact with some people who have many health problems. Most of them have amazing attitudes. Speaking with them makes me appreciate my health all the more.
I realize trials can come upon us at any time. Many things I am grateful for could change in an instant (such as work, health, ect). But the person I owe everything to, who I express the most gratitude to, is my Savior Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His gospel in my life to give me hope and direction. If we trust in Him and have faith, we can always be guided through times of trial.
Just like there is always something to find to complain about, there is also always something to be grateful for!
