Welcome.

Happy Thanksgiving.

The thankful month is here once again – though arguably every month should be a grateful month. Still, November brings collective occasion to reflect and remember. By virtue of our divine heritage, the eternal possibilities before us, and the fact that many of us daily enjoy niceties that add tremendously to our comfort and wellbeing here in mortality, we do have SO much for which to be thankful.

Furthermore, the promise for those who choose to live gratefully is pretty splendid: “And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious.” (Doctrine & Covenants 78:19)

I want to be more glorious on earth and better prepared for the degree of heaven I seek. Certainly, I can better help the process along by becoming more grateful.

In this church, we do so we can be.

Do gratitude.

Become grateful.

Furthermore, this November is a good time to reset that gratitude ambition.

I recently attended a local interfaith Thanksgiving service. It was really special. Participating members from the community were of sundry religious persuasions. Each representative delivered a very meaningful message.

The hour-long program was segregated into three parts: (1) Giving thanks for what has been, (2) Giving thanks for what is, and (3) Giving thanks for what will be.

I was inspired by the comments I heard at that interfaith event. In like fashion, this Thanksgiving I wanted to share my own three 5-point lists: thanks for what has been, what is, and what will be.

What Has Been:

1. Inspired foundations of the past, laid for present benefit and blessing

2. Martyrs whose drops of blood heaven counted

3. The coming of Jesus Christ to this earth to redeem all who will believe and repent

4. The divine origins of our Constitution

5. The restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ

What Is:

1. A prophet and apostles to lead and encourage us along

2. The bountiful amounts of light and truth available to us

3. The redeeming and changing grace of Jesus Christ

4. The love and joy of family and friends

5. The privilege of discipleship

What Will Be:

1. No more tears, no more sorrow in a coming day

2. Joy unspeakable

3. Better than we can even imagine

4. Fulfilled promises

5. Father’s embrace

Unto all the world: This Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for that has been, currently is, and will be?