12. Grateful in All Circumstances

It is easy to find gratitude looking back over the challenges we have overcome, but what about feeling grateful while climbing the mountains of adversity? Is that even possible?

Dieter F. Uchtdorf believes that the secret to such a feat is to be grateful in our circumstances rather than being grateful for things. He said,

“We can choose to be grateful, no matter what.

This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer.

When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace.”   3

Gratitude is a choice, and it can become a way of life. We can choose to be grateful while navigating the mountains of life, not because we love the steep passages, but because the view is incredible.

Listen in for real-life stories of people who have learned to be grateful, no matter how challenging their circumstances. From them, you will gain perspective and inspiration for learning to feel grateful; come what may.

This week's SHINE challenge:

Write down three things you are grateful for every day for the next seven days. See if it makes a difference in how you feel.

Want to join the STAND movement? You can start by downloading our manifesto: Covenant Women Who Stand. Read it and grab your free copy right here.

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   3 Uchtdorf, Dieter F. “Grateful In Any Circumstances.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Apr. 2014, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/grateful-in-any-circumstances.