Ok, guys, I actually feel vindicated for the infamous "gratitude talk" of years ago, that you all like to chide Dad and I about. Not only did I never regret that little "talk" but I am now even more sure of its significance in your lives. There's an article on the Church's home page this week about how to live the "good life," which includes gratitude as one important aspect of living the good life. Here is the quote that I like:
"Gratitude and humility are closely intertwined. We live in a self-centered age. Social media, in particular, can easily be used for self-promotion. It has never been more important to be grateful and humble. Those who possess these attributes express appreciation for their blessings as they follow the Savior’s example.
My friend Harvard professor Roger B. Porter, who is a faithful member of the Church, noted at one of the commencement proceedings at Harvard in May 2015 that gratitude “requires that we acknowledge our debt to others,” and “it often involves a humble response for unearned or unmerited gifts.” He concluded: “If you choose to embrace gratitude as a central element of your life, it will serve you well. It will help you resist the temptation to succumb to pride and to fall into a sense of entitlement. It will help you to see the good and to acknowledge the positive. It will help you to put in context the bumps in the road and the adversity you will from time to time encounter. It will help you focus attention on those less fortunate than you whose lives you can bless.”
My friend Harvard professor Roger B. Porter, who is a faithful member of the Church, noted at one of the commencement proceedings at Harvard in May 2015 that gratitude “requires that we acknowledge our debt to others,” and “it often involves a humble response for unearned or unmerited gifts.” He concluded: “If you choose to embrace gratitude as a central element of your life, it will serve you well. It will help you resist the temptation to succumb to pride and to fall into a sense of entitlement. It will help you to see the good and to acknowledge the positive. It will help you to put in context the bumps in the road and the adversity you will from time to time encounter. It will help you focus attention on those less fortunate than you whose lives you can bless.”
I must say that the talk was quite effective in our daily family living...you all began to look for things you were grateful for and expressed that gratitude. I remember saying that if you couldn't find anything good about the meal that had been prepared for you then compliment the cook on how cool and refreshing the milk or water was! There was hardly a meal prepared after that that I didn't hear from most if not all of you that the dinner was good, thanks, mom. When we did things together as a family, it was always followed by thanks mom and dad. It wasn't for US that we wanted you to have an attitude of gratitude, but for YOU, each of you. I believe that for the most part you do see the good and acknowledge the positive, put adversity and challenges in their proper perspectives, and indeed focus on service to others, rather than being served. Yep, I think that little discussion we had so many years ago has served you each well. And I hope that you all will, if you haven't already, have that talk with our grandchildren so that they don't "fall into a sense of entitlement."
I think this entire letter has been prompted by the disheartening sense of entitlement that we witness here in Mexico on a DAILY basis, and it is especially disheartening coming from the members who should know better. They exhibit very little, if any, gratitude, and it is disturbing to say the least. The entire culture has an entitlement attitude (what dad likes to refer to as the attitude that what's yours is mine if I can get it) and take things that don't belong to them. They are not willing to do their share of keeping the church buildings and grounds clean, they are not willing to keep their commitments, or respect time commitments, they are not willing to help with the "community" projects that have been ongoing for the last six or seven months, but they are always willing to take. They withhold uplifting and encouraging comments to each other, they do not say thank you. They do not teach their children to keep the chapel clean and tidy...trash is strewn everywhere. Regrettably, they are not willing to give back in gratitude for what little they do have. They exhibit entitlement attitude in their driving habits...daily it feels like we pedestrians are target practice with little concern for our safety, if you are waiting your turn at the bank or grocery store or anywhere for that matter, you can plan on someone (actually several someones) cutting in front of you. "Common courtesy" is not common here. And we have no doubt that all of this is a result of a liberal entitlement society. When the people get, get, get and are not expected in any way to give, give, give, then an entitlement attitude has been created. All you have to do is watch the news a couple of times to know that the same thing is happening in the US...try NOT giving the people what they think they are entitled to and the protests and the violence starts!
If you haven't already, please have the "gratitude talk" with your children. You will be doing them and society a HUGE favor!
This is NOT intended to discourage any one of you from giving and doing for your children or anyone. We should be willing to give of our time, talents, substance, and uplifting words of encouragement. But it's just as important that we be a grateful people also.
We would not in any way want these sentiments to discourage anyone else from serving as missionaries. These are our observations and concerns for our family only please.
Since our return from the US we have talked with several people who have told us that there were five murders in Pinotepa while we were gone, and we now know of four more since we returned. In total nine murders in this little town of about 30,000 people in about three weeks time. The cartel has apparently moved in and is making its presence known. It's a bit concerning for us. But for now all is well with us. The angels are busy here. Great letter from Cameron this week...he's on fire!!! That's awesome.
Love you all,
Mom
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