It's A Wonderful Life!

Lately I've been in sort of a rut.  The monotony of work, the cold, and a lack of sleep plus a few other things (maybe the NBA lockout too...) have had me down for a while.  However, I had a moment the other day that put this all in perspective for me.

Like many other times that God has given me what I consider a tender mercy, it was through another person. This probably sounds incredibly dumb and you're probably wondering why this switched the light on in my head, but it did.

While I was in this sort of a 'funk,' a good friend, who I hadn't talked to in a few weeks, IM'ed me out of the blue and said that he felt prompted to tell me to listen to a particular band that we both enjoy (there are TONS in this category!) that day.  He had no idea what was going on in my head before this and was probably joking about being prompted, but it was exactly what I needed at that moment. Not only did amazing music lift my spirits, but the gesture from a friend in itself was just perfect.

It was then that I realized how BLESSED I am.  Let me count the ways:

• I am a daughter of Heavenly Father.
• Jesus Christ atoned for my sins, and I can accept His infinite atonement in my life.  I have never been so happy as I am when I'm striving to follow Him.
• I have a sure knowledge of these things.
• I have a wonderful family who I love with all my heart.
• I have the greatest friends a girl could ask for.
• Loving these people fills all the empty spaces.
• My life is far from perfect, but the imperfections ultimately give me such a greater understanding and also give me experience for my good and for personal growth... like spiritual weight lifting ;)
• I live in the United States of America.
• I get to go to college at this point in my life, let alone at a well-respected university that I worked very hard to finally attend.
• I am healthy.
• I am (fairly) intelligent.
• I have a roof over my head.
• I have a job and mostly support myself.
• I drive a car to and from said job.
• I have talents and hobbies and opportunities to serve others, which are fulfilling to me.
• I have had opportunities to travel the world and broaden my horizons.
• I actively choose to surround myself with positivity.
• I make choices that ultimately keep me free.
• I live in a time where God speaks to His children through prophets, currently Thomas S. Monson (I was able to hear from him at school just a few weeks ago!)

This is just a small start-- there are tons and tons and tons and tons of things to be grateful for.  It's up to each of us to find them! :-)