It's the most wonderful time of the year...

No, I'm not one of those who listens to christmas music before thanksgiving-not that there's anything wrong with that-I just don't.  No, I was just thinking about how much I love this time of year-meaning now: Fall/Thanksgiving/Christmas.  What I love most about this time of year is that the rest of the world seems to just be in a better mood.  They all seem to be more focused on the things that matter in life: family, gratitude, etc.  Ya know, the eternal perspective that puts you in a good mood.  The greatest part about it is that not everyone is necessarily religious, but you don't have to be religious to have gratitude.  It's the wide-spread gratitude (religious or not) that, I think, accounts for the uptick in mood this time of year.  If only people could hold on to this mindset all year round.

I've read a few great talks on gratitude lately.  One of my favorites is The Divine Gift of Gratitude by President Monson from the October 2010 conference.

A few of my favorite quotes:

"This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways.  We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” 8

"A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don’t get around to it. Someone has said that “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love."

I definitely am feeling my Heavenly Father's love as I watch my energetic and loving 15 month old son toddle around so pleased with the world.  I feel that inward peace as I can't wait for my sweetheart and best friend to get home from work.  I am so blessed with a beautiful and loving family, home, the restored gospel in my life, and a loving savior who will never leave me.  I hope everyone can take a minute to reflect on all of their blessings and feel their Heavenly Father's love!!!