Sister Bonnie D. Parkin: Gratitude opens minds to God-filled universe
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With tenderness and expressions of gratitude and love, Sister Bonnie D. Parkin addressed the Saturday afternoon session just hours after being released as the Relief Society general president.
"This afternoon, I am honored to represent those Relief Society leaders who, here in this very Tabernacle, shared the doctrines of the kingdom, emphasized the significance of women's roles in the home and family, called each other to charitable service, and reminded their sisters of the joy that comes from righteous living."
In her comments, from the pulpit of the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle prior to the edifice's rededication, Sister Parkin spoke of the "spirit-filled principle" of gratitude. "It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it we become spiritually aware of the wonders of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction."
After explaining that the Lord said, "Thou shalt thank the Lord in all things," the good and the difficult, Sister Parkin referred to Luke chapter 17, in which the Savior heals the 10 lepers, of whom one returns to express his appreciation.
"Isn't it interesting that the Lord did not say, 'your gratitude has made you whole?' Instead, He said, 'thy faith hath made thee whole.' The leper's expression of gratitude was recognized by the Savior as an expression of his faith. As we pray and express gratitude to a loving, but unseen, Heavenly Father, we are also expressing our faith in Him. Gratitude is our sweet acknowledgement of the Lord's hand in our lives; it is an expression of our faith."
Continuing, Sister Parkin spoke of the kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving, which, she said, "requires a broken heart and contrite spirit; humility to accept that which cannot be changed; willingness to turn everything over to the Lord — even when we do not understand; thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace."
