Gratitude - Part One

"Never let the things you want, make you forget the things you have."

This past year alone has literally been a very emotional and rewarding experience for me, in more ways than one. Some of the most unforgettable and hardest moments in my life have strengthened me into a better person as well as trying to strive everyday to become more like my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for everything that has given me a chance to reflect on the many blessings in my life, and if I can honestly admit--I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for those who have stuck with me through it all. I've had to really learn the hard way this last yer and a half about who my true friends are from those who never will be. It has never stopped me from wanting to express my gratitude for the many highs that this life has continued to show me, even if I didn't necessarily deserve it at the time. 

I am immensely grateful for the examples of my friends who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers through out this year. All of you have literally made me want to strive harder in this world to be a little better and recognize that everything happens for a reason, whether I've liked it or not. I am thankful for all the many laughs and fun times we have shared together, because it definitely reminded me that there is so much good in the world. 

I am truly grateful for the unforgettable opportunity that I have of volunteering in two different classes this year, at the neighborhood elementary school. It has literally been such an absolute treat for me to get better acquainted with the most incredibly talented & sweet teachers ever this year!!! I am thankful for your patience with me as I continue to learn new things from you both every week & making the best of any new task that you ladies give me to do. I am incredibly grateful for their credit into helping me become the best volunteer that I can be in this world and have really enjoyed being around their students each week. It has definitely been a challenge for me at times to not wish that there was more I could do in just helping them out with this, but I know it makes their days a lot less stressful when I can lend a hand with something they need to have taken care of. 

I am grateful for the power of prayer in my life, more than anything in this universe!!! I know it will never fail to strengthen somebody whenever things feel almost unbearable, that heavenly helps make everything better. During this struggling school year for a friend of mine, I have consistently prayed for them multiple times each day as much as I possibly can, because it has already given them a little bit of courage to endure through their struggles to get organized in their classroom. It seems like such a small thing to do for just anybody that we know and love, but it has strengthened me in ways that I never could have expected. I have tried to let this person know that I will never stop praying for them throughout this extraordinary school year and make the best of everything that seems difficult, some what easier in some way if at all possible.