Elaine Jack came to our enrichment meeting last night, and she was beyond awesome.  She spoke on “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”   She related a story about when she spoke with President Hinckley about what he wanted for the women of the church.

He said that he wanted the women to be happy. We have so many complaining women in the church. Many of them have reason to complain, and he said his heart goes out to those with reason.  But too many of us don’t stop to notice the good.

I kept thinking about a woman in our ward whose husband died suddenly 4 years ago.  That was right when we moved in, so I never met her husband, but I did get to know her 8 year old daughter, who is the youngest of four.  About a year ago, she began dating a wonderful widower, and they made plans to marry.  That widower died suddenly last Thursday.  This woman has reason to complain.  And yet, I hope that the bitterness does not consume her, as I’m almost positive it would consume me should I be faced with such a trial.

I have been known to moan about things, as we all do.  Pet peeves, potty training, incompetent people, misunderstandings, foods I hate, and the list goes on and on.  Sister Jack was just asking for a little perspective on those problems, and to approach life with optimism and a positive attitude, and to notice, and focus on, the good.  So here are a few really good things in my life:

1. My children are healthy, happy people.  No brain tumors (like another woman I know) or pulmonary hypertension.

2. My husband is alive, well, and the greatest man alive.

3. I have an awesome family, both immediate and extended.

4.  My house is heated.

5. My cars work.

6. I have high speed internet access.

7. I am not taking a long car trip for Thanksgiving.

8. I am not forced to eat curry or cilantro on a regular basis.

9. I can take trips to fun places on occasion.

10. I am almost done reading the Old Testament, and next year I can focus on the New.  Man, that’s one long book.

11. I currently have a cute haircut.

This holiday season, I am going to have A Merry Heart.  I’m almost afraid to send that into the universe, because it’s almost inviting the universe to throw crap at me to test my resolve.  But I’m saying it.  A Merry Heart is my goal, and I’m breaking out the gratitude journal, long unused.  My focus is shifting to the good.