Gratitude in Sorrow

I have always felt that expressing our gratitude to God each day is not only a must, but necessary.
Everything that is good in our lives comes from God. You can be the poorest person in the world and still show gratitude for the little you do have. And nothing makes God sadder than our ingratitude for what we have been blessed with.
Because of an ongoing trial in our family, my heart has been heavy this week, heavy to the point that I literally felt like shutting down and tuning out everything to escape the pain. But then, as always, the Lord was there and comfort came through prayers and a priesthood blessing, and I was reminded of my Savior's love, His mercy, and His grace. The joy of the Father's plan for me was renewed, as well as my faith and understanding that They know me.

God knows me, which means He knows my every thought, my every word and deed, and my every righteous desire. He knows my hopes for my family, and hears every prayer - both spoken and unspoken - for my children and grandchildren.
My Savior sees, feels, and understands every emotional strain I undergo. He witnesses every river of tears that I cry and every heartbreak I endure, and He knows what I am feeling, because He wept those same tears for me in Gethsemane, and He felt my heart break along with His own on the cross.

Because of all of this, my heart is overflowing with gratitude - gratitude for this earthly life with its triumphs and trials, its adversities and afflictions. How can I not be grateful for these experiences when what Christ endured for me is so much greater that I could possibly fathom? Ingratitude, for me, is impossible!
So, I will continue to love the Lord, to serve Him, and to praise Him with all my heart.
I know that if I do this, my heart will never stay broken, because He will always be there to mend it.

Wishing you all a most wonderful and amazing Thanksgiving!