Gratitude: a primary lesson

Its's my turn to teach primary this week and my topic is:

I can be grateful for what the Lord has given me

When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, what we would refer to as the middle of nowhere (helps that we are in Australia and I could explain it was basically the same as wandering around in the desert, cause we have plenty of that!), it was over the space of 40 years! That’s longer than I have even been alive!! It’s a really long time. During this time they became sad and upset, complaining because they remembered the good food the Lord had provided them when they used to live in Egypt. They started to complain, even though the lord had GIVEN them food, it wasn’t what they wanted. (Numbers 11:4-9) 

How often do we look at what we have and are not happy with it?

Going around the room. If you could have anything you want. What would it be?

Oh my goodness the answers here. A Mustang, a Lamborgini, a comfortable pair of shoes, children who listen... 

Now. How many of these things couldn’t we live without? What is really important? Let’s focus instead on what we are grateful for! 

Watch gratitude video. (This cracked Doug up when I was preparing this lesson and one of the ladies says she is grateful for thrift shops and garage sales. Me in a nutshell)

 

Go and write on your paper 5 things you are grateful for. We are happy to help those of you who need help! When you’re done you can come and sit down again. 

Your list is 5 things you can tell Heavenly Father you are grateful for this week. Each day when you have prayed and thanked him, you can tick off the day! 

With our pianists help, I’d love to sing a song for you. “Count your many blessings.” I have so many blessings in my life and one of them is being a primary leader. 

I’m grateful for all of you! So here’s something to show you! (I'll be getting up early Sunday morning to make cookies.)

grateful in any circumstances

someone i follow on instagram shared this quote and i love it so much. it really made me think about what i can do. how i can get out of a hole and how i can be better. ♥

have a read... and for the full talk, go here.

"Sooner or later, I believe that all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift.

It can happen to anyone. No one is immune.

Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.

We can be grateful!

It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf