Gratitude #1: I feel cherished because Mr. Hot Stuff does dishes.

It’s a well-known fact that I super-duper dislike (is hate too strong a word?) doing dishes. I don’t think Mr. Hot Stuff likes doing them either, but he knows this is one of the biggest ways he can serve me, mind, body, and soul. His service relieves my mind, knowing that I don’t have the distraction of those unwashed mountains niggling at the back of my mind. Having the dishes done, is a relief to my sore legs and feet at the end of the day. And his service feeds my soul to know that I am so cherished that he would take the time to serve me this way. Johnny Lingo may have paid eight cows for his wife, Mahana, but Mr. Hot Stuff shows me that he is my million dishes helpmate. Oh how I love him for this.

Oh yeah, one other cool thing today that the eight cow woman reminded me of. Today in Sunday School we were talking about the story in the Old Testament when Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac. When Rebekah offered to water the servant’s ten camels (that’s about 30 gallons each, people!), it surprised the servant that his prayer request to be shown a woman worthy of his master’s son had been answered so quickly. One quick-witted woman in our class (Doctor Music) said, “He found a ten camel woman.” Okay, if you don’t get the joke, you really need to watch Johnny Lingo. It’s a great story in it’s own right about how the way we treat others affects them. (There is also a feature film version of this called The Legend of Johnny Lingo which is much less dated than this short 1963 version, if you can find it.)

Gratitude #2: Personal inspiration.

Lately I’ve had a thought go through my head at repeated intervals. The thought is:

Worry is not prayer.

Yeah, it’s kind of a big one, isn’t it? At least it has been for me. Sometimes I hear of people I know who are suffering or struggling with problems, and my eyebrows crease together and I think, “Oh dear, I hope they will be okay,” in the general direction of heaven. But several days ago, I was brushing my teeth and thinking about someone I knew who is going through a big challenge and I noticed my worry lines in the mirror. That’s when it hit me, like an actual voice. “Worry is not prayer. Just pray.” So I went on with my morning, but while I made the bed instead of fretting about the problems facing those I love, I prayed for them. It had a completely different feeling than the worrying did. I felt lighter somehow and my eyebrows weren’t all scrunched together.

Gratitude #3: Timers and alarm clocks.

I would never show up on time or be where I needed to be if I didn’t have timer apps on my phone, my tablet, and my computer. If I don’t put it on my calendar or set up an alarm or timer for something, I won’t be doing whatever that thing is. The best ones are the ones I can label, such as, “Take Mei Guo her herb tea.” (she’s sick today)

Gratitude #4: Herb tea and cold medicine.

This has been a tough winter for getting things like colds and the flu, and people in my family have had their share of whatever the gamboo is that’s currently going around. Usually it doesn’t last too long, but it’s sure nice to be able to offer a smorgasbord of relief to whomever is the latest incubator.

Gratitude #5: Temples.

For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple is the most sacred place on earth and the place where we can draw closest to God. Our temples are different than our regular meeting houses where we gather for worship every Sunday. Temples are to Mormons in some ways what a sweat lodge is to Native Americans – they are places where we have deep spiritual experiences and receive personal inspiration and clarity regarding circumstances in our own lives and offer dedicated prayers for others. This ties back to the whole, personal inspiration/worry is not prayer situation. It’s just so wonderful to have a place where I can go to get away from all the distractions of life that make it hard to focus on listening to God.

Gratitude #6: The association of good-hearted people who are willing to serve.

I realize I may have said this one on a previous week, but I have the beautiful joy of being surrounded by people who are generous in service.

This weekend I went to the wedding of two people who are dear friends to our family. The budget for the wedding was small, but the love, joy, and service that was brought to create a beautiful experience for these two very excited and happy people was tremendous. The bride’s family did much of the work, but there were so many other willing hands to help set up, serve, and clean up at the end. I’m so grateful to have friends and neighbors who set an example of service and help me have a chance to step up and serve.

Gratitude #7: Ice cream.

What can I say? Sometimes it’s the little things that bring joy to the moment.

winner-winner, veggie dinner 🙂