The past couple weeks have been interesting. Lots of highs and lows to find my way through. From one day to the next I have been unsure what to expect, but by taking it one day at a time, I have survived to tonight. And tonight, I am incredibly grateful for a lot of things I am often guilty of taking for granted. The thankfulness I'm feeling didn't happen all in one eye-popping, jaw dropping moment. It wasn't an epiphany, or anything like that. As I have struggled through the last, well, year if I'm completly honest, I have tried to recognize the things I am thankful for. Tonight as I sat at a fireside that seamlessly combined Veterans Day with the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I felt inspired to list some of the things that I often overlook in my life, because they are always just there for me.
My day of thanksgiving began with a Sacrament meeting testimony by a woman visiting my ward from China. She spoke of her conversion and of the things she had to sacrifice for her right to be a member of the Mormon church. She spoke with such reverence about the opportunity to attend Sunday meetings in a chapel, with hymn books and a ward with so many members. Then, tonight, I attended a fireside where we were privileged to hear from the Gooch family. The daughters provided the beautiful music that touched my heart, the parents the message. The story they shared was a parallel of their lives- one an American, free to live as he chose. The other, Cambodian. Captured and enslaved in a concentration camp known as "the killing fields". As they related their story I was overcome with gratitude for all that I have. Tonight, I would like to publicly acknowledge some of the many things I often take for granted.
First and foremost, I am thankful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is true. The people of the church may be imperfect, but the doctrine is completely perfect. I am so blessed to have the knowledge that I do. The knowledge that I have of the Atonement and the way I have begun to see it work in my life is a blessing of the highest order.The knowlege of the covenants and blessings of the Temple and the opportunity to be with my family forever. A loving Father in Heaven, who looks after my needs, even when I don't necessarily recognize His hand in my life. The power of prayer and the feeling of the Spirit and I'll stop here so as not to bore you with my gushing :)
My freedom. Despite the division in the political arena, this nation is still privileged. We need to remember how blessed we are as a country and strive to be the nation that God would have us be. In addition, I am thankful for all who have, do and will serve. It is because of you that I enjoy many of my freedoms. Thank you for your sacrifice on my behalf.
My family. We certainly aren't a perfect lot, and there is a lot of truth to my dad's mantra that you don't have to be nuts to hang out with us, but it sure helps. The fact of the matter is that I was blessed with an incredible family. Through difficult times, they support me. When things are good, they celebrate with me. They are there when I need a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand, someone to go to lunch with, and any number of additional activities. I know very few families who are as woven together as mine. And it's not limited to my immediate family- though they are the base of my strength- the extended Bundy Family is amazing. A girl couldn't ask for more.
My job. It can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. But it's incredibly rewarding as well. I work with some amazing people who truly build me up and want to see me happy. I don't know how common it is to have coworkers who are sincerely concerned with one anothers happiness and well being, but I do know that I have been blessed to have some of the best coworkers over the years. You know who you are- my Bar Ten family, my ARR family, my St. George Recreation family. You all mean so much to me. I think it is a rare treasure to have so many close friends in a work setting, but I have certainly been blessed by each of you as you have come into my life.
My friends. I have some of the best. I have been lucky to have friends who consistently build me up. They do all that they can to help me succeed. They serve me when they are facing their own difficulties. They listen to me whine when I am upset about work, or dating, or life in general. I don't know if I am just incredibly lucky, or if most people have friends of the caliber I am blessed to have, but I really can't say enough about the amazing friends who support me through the good times and the bad. Who pick me up when I am down. Who are there even when I probably don't deserve them. I love you all.
The most amazing thing is that so many of these categories overlap in my life. And I could continue-
technology allows me to see my family who are not nearby. My home, my car, the beauty of the seasons, diet coke when I need a little pick me up, the opportunity to go to school, my health, volleyball, music, laughter, tears, people who volunteer at special events, my fleece lined wool coat, books, photographs, seasons of the Gilmore Girls on DVD, the girl who cuts my hair!
Yep, at one point or another I have taken all of these things for granted. Tonight, I hope to partially rectify that error. I'm guilty, but thankfully, not charged.
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