Give Thanks

 “Some today think Thanksgiving Day should not be connected to God, but only to country and history. In contrast, George Washington's October 3, 1789, Thanksgiving Day Proclamation specifically references gratitude to God. With all the busyness and business going on during this time of year, it is easy to focus on the feasting and not so much on prayer and praise. Gratitude is one of the most important human virtues and ingratitude is one of the most common human deficiencies. Gratitude does not develop without effort. Much can be learned from the Mormon handcart pioneers who hauled their belongings across hot plains and through the snows of high mountain passes and then expressed their gratitude in peaceful worship in the Salt Lake Valley. How can we pay our debt of gratitude for the heritage of faith and courage handed down to us by pioneers and pilgrims? Gratitude, like muscle, must be exercised to be strengthened.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf