TCATS# 359 - #GiveThanks

When the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said that he'd be sharing a message of hope and healing, I was, unfortunately, a bit skeptical. "What more could he say than what he's already said?" was the question going on in my head. And in all honesty, I almost didn't want to tune in to the message at all. I was afraid my poor attitude would ruin whatever message President Nelson really wanted me to hear and then I'd feel worse. But then as if God was monitoring my thoughts (which of course He does), he invited me to consider the story of the Israelites and the brazen serpent as referenced in the Book of Numbers. If you recall,  the Israelites were afflicted with poisonous serpents and many were dying as a result. At one point, God told Moses to attach a brazen serpent to a pole and then hoist it up and whoever had been bitten only need look at the brazen serpent and be healed. 

The Book of Mormon adds this scripture: "But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them." (Alma 33:20)

I realized (with perhaps some new found humility) that I was being as ridiculously stubborn as some of these Israelites had been. Just as some of them were skeptical that an act so simple would heal them,  I was being skeptical that hearing a prophet's message would heal me.  

So, I listened. And even though nothing grand and glorious happened within my heart, something about the simpleness of his message rang true: just be grateful.

My mind though was screaming "Be grateful? What? Count my blessings? Seriously? THAT is going to help me feel better? It can't be that simple."

But then the thought came: just try it.

So, I did. And it has helped. And the more I express gratitude, the better I feel.

So in that spirit, I want to express gratitude for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to sing such stirring and beautiful music. 

I'm grateful to feel a sense of community and unity with my fellow Tabernacle Choir singers. 

I'm grateful to be good friends with many of the brethren in particular. Their goodness and talent and testimonies and support are things I cherish and that carry me. 

I'm grateful to serve in the music library as it helps me have an added opportunity to simply do some good. 

I'm grateful for Mack and Ryan who's inspiring directing talents are a wonder to behold. 

I'm grateful for the spirit I feel when I sing and for the knowledge that even one person makes a difference. 

I'm grateful for engaging in an activity that I truly love and is heavenly in origin. 

I'm grateful for the support of my wife and kids and love them for it. 

I'm grateful for a choir presidency that I know loves us. While I wish they could come up with ways for us to fulfill our callings during this break, I trust they are doing their best.

Lastly,  I'm grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ who has, over time, allowed me to finally be OK with the way things are and to permanently latch on to hope and patience.

 

Until next time, God be with you.
#GiveThanks