Thanksgiving is not only a great time to celebrate what we are grateful for, but to share our many blessings with others. This story from President Thomas S. Monson is a perfect example!
Following Thanksgiving time a few years ago, I received a letter from a widow whom I had known in the stake where I served in the presidency. She had just returned from a dinner sponsored by her bishopric. Her words reflect the peace she felt and the gratitude which filled her heart:
Dear President Monson,
I am living in Bountiful now. I miss the people of our old stake, but let me tell you of a wonderful experience I have had. In early November, all the widows and older people received an invitation to come to a lovely dinner. We were told not to worry about transportation, since this would be provided by the older youth in the ward.
At the appointed hour, a very nice young man rang the bell and took me and another sister to the stake center. He stopped the car, and two other young men walked with us to the building. Inside, they escorted us to the tables, where seated on each side of us was either a young woman or a young man. We were served a lovely Thanksgiving dinner and afterward provided a choice program.
Then the young men took us home. It was such a nice evening. Most of us shed a tear or two for the love and respect we were shown.
President Monson, when you see young people treat others like these young people did, I feel the Church is in good hands.
There came to mind the words from the Epistle of James: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
One of the greatest ways to show gratitude to God for what we have is by serving those around us. If your heart was warmed by this story, spread the love and think what you can do for someone today. If you need help, you can learn more about the Church’s Christmas campaign here, which is all about lighting the world with goodness.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
