Gratitude Chart

“Gratitude is a memory of the heart,” a French proverb reminds me whenever I look at my gratitude poster. One day when I was feeling sad, my sister gave me this poster, then blank except for the proverb, and instructed me to take time each day to list at least one thing for which I was grateful. At first there seemed to be a lot of empty space staring back at me, but each day I was able to list something. Now that the chart is full, I can look at it whenever I feel bad and realize all the blessings I have, both temporally and spiritually. Interestingly, this reminder of my blessings helps me to better live within my means. When I’m tempted to buy that new stereo, for instance, I just look at my poster and remember all the temporal things I already have and am grateful for, as well as all the blessings that money can’t buy.

Jennifer Lucas, Irvine Third Ward, Irvine California Stake