Gratitude is the path to happiness.

 


Hydrangea's are beautiful this time of year. I love the variety of color even on one plant.  I am used to seeing one color per plant but these bushes have multiple colors on one bush.  It reminds me that the unique character of each person blesses the world around us.  I have enjoyed getting to know each missionary as I have served here.  They bring strengths and personalities that bless the mission as a whole.  There are missionaries that are so shy, others who are bold, others who are always happy, others who are serious and accomplish many things. God didn't make us the same. We shouldn't feel like we need to be like everyone else.  Your unique characteristics are exactly what you need to be.  


Kobe has 1.5 million people living here. There is very little space so every thing is compact. Cars are small. Houses are small. Kitchens are small. Even food is packaged in small containers. Yet much can be done even in a small space.  We have been watching a neighbor grow these tomatoes on the side of his house. It is a narrow strip of ground but he created a small grow box, planted and nourished the tomato plants, and now he has beautiful red tomatoes growing. This has taught me that we don't need a lot to be productive. Gratitude is the path to happiness. We just need to recognize what we have and make the most of where we are.

Jesus cleansed 10 lepers. Nine of the healed lepers continued on their way but one turned back giving glory and thanks to Jesus. Jesus asked "Were there not ten cleansed?, But where are the nine? To this man Jesus said,"Arise and go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." Luke 17:12-19

Gratitude, trust, and faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ will make you whole. 

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