Grateful for simple things

I think my week could be summed up with the word gratitude. Gratitude for simple, seemingly small things. Those things include:

-Gratitude that a Priesthood blessing, cortisone shot, faith and prayers have made it so that Claudia's knee has not been so painful. Thank you for your prayers in our behalf; they are felt.
-We have had an amazing week of weather. Several days this week I wondered if we missed Winter and Spring had arrived. As we drove home from church today, it was 41 degrees with bright sunshine. I know this won't last, but it has been appreciated.
- Zero new accidents this week; the arrival of 3 new cars; 5 being prepared to be sold.
- The quilt is finished! I get my companion back.
- The power, strength and enthusiasm of young missionaries who are full of faith and who press forward knowing that the Lord will sustain and bless them as they continue to be obedient and faithful. Wednesday we practiced a song with 60 missionaries serving in the Wilmette stake. Next Sunday night the missionaries are doing a "Book of Mormon" fireside. This will be the real Book of Mormon musical. There will be musical numbers performed by a variety of missionaries, vocal and instrumental, narrations and then all missionaries will sing "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go".
- the strength and spirit of the senior missionaries serving here is such a blessing. There are 22 senior missionaries serving here. We get together every other month for a potluck dinner and an evening of conversation. The president asked each companionship to share a tender mercy or miracle they have seen in their service. It was sweet to hear of those experiences. The responsibilities are so varied for the different companionships.
- As I worked on income taxes yesterday, I realized our retirement account was only $473 less on Jan. 1 this year versus Jan. 1 last year. What a blessing that they had grown to almost make up for everything we withdrew last year.
- Claudia and I team-taught the gospel principles class today. And I was reminded how much I enjoy being with her and serving with her.

So my week is really summed up as gratitude for many blessings and opportunities. I appreciate each of you and your influence in my life. I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and for my Savior. I do see and feel their influence in my life and in the lives of those around me. Have a blessed week.

Elder Taggart