We are thrilled to extend a heartfelt invitation to all of you, our cherished friends and community. For many years, we’ve embraced a powerful initiative known as ‘Light the World,’ a program that consistently ignites feelings of hope, peace, and profound happiness within us. Engaging in this program with a spirit of genuine gratitude has created an extraordinary transformation. It’s a testament to resilience: even if the year 2020 has felt overwhelmingly challenging, it does not get the final say. Rather than simply enduring until 2021, let’s choose to bid farewell to 2020 with an abundance of hope and an active embrace of gratitude.
We encourage you to join us on this inspiring journey. You can easily participate by downloading the daily calendar and engaging with the thoughtful prompts at Light the World. As you delve into these daily reflections, we invite you to explore some of our own contemplations on gratitude presented below. We also encourage you to share your personal insights and experiences using the hashtags #givethanks and #lighttheworld across your social media platforms.
Day 1 – 2020: A Year of Unexpected Growth and Profound Gratitude
A quiet but persistent stirring in my heart compelled me to share this message with all of you today. It’s a nondescript Friday morning, yet I feel an undeniable urge to push ‘publish’ and release these thoughts into the world.
Indeed, 2020 has been a year unlike any other in recent memory. There were times I found myself feeling profoundly disoriented, struggling to pinpoint the source of this unease. Despite experiencing deep peace and love in my heart, and noticing countless moments of joy and happiness, an underlying sentiment persisted, a subtle yet pervasive sense of being ‘off.’
Dreamless: Navigating the Unknown
For the first time in my entire life, I felt an unsettling inability to dream. Not the dreams we experience during sleep, but the vivid, hopeful dreams that shape our waking lives and illuminate our future paths.
I have always considered myself a lifelong dreamer. My imagination often painted vibrant scenes: a cozy cabin by a tranquil lake, the comforting crackle of a fire as my children and their own families gathered around, the adults laughing and conversing while the younger ones were tucked safely into bed. I envisioned the bittersweet pride of my first child embarking on the wondrous journey of college, or the spontaneous joy of serving missions, leaving behind the ordinary world and our daily jobs to serve others, just as we had always planned. The cherished traditions, the festive holidays, the eagerly anticipated vacations—these were the pillars of my future visions.
But this year, those vibrant dreams became shrouded in uncertainty. My forward-looking gaze encountered a black veil of the unknown. Would college remain the same in four years? Would it ever truly be safe to travel again, especially after all our meticulously planned trips were canceled? The future, once a boundless canvas of possibilities, now felt opaque and indistinct.
Gratitude – The Emergence of New Hope
And so, I embarked on a deep personal search. If I was destined to live through such unprecedented times, surely I was equipped for it. I prayed for guidance: “Help me. Help me become more, transform me, sanctify me, teach me.”
It was in this earnest seeking that gratitude emerged as my renewed source of hope. This year, I’ve deliberately clung to new practices, one of the most significant being a conscious effort to express gratitude and happiness more authentically. This meant allowing myself to truly smile, to recognize, and fully immerse in moments of joy and contentment as they unfolded, rather than letting them pass by unnoticed.
Grateful for 2020: Finding Blessing Amidst Challenge
Against all odds, I find myself genuinely grateful for the year 2020. While it brought considerable heartache, confusion, and disruption, it has undeniably changed me for the better. I’ve witnessed my children forge new, deeper connections with each other. I’ve found myself hoping more fervently than ever before, and listening with a far greater intensity. Through it all, I have experienced a profound, heart-shaking peace—a true sense of inner calm. I am grateful for a year that each of us has not only endured but risen above, discovering strengths, talents, and blessings we never knew we possessed. We are, undeniably, doing it, growing stronger with every passing day.
#givethanks
Day 2 – Laughter: The Unsung Necessity
That old, battered green cooler, perpetually stuck in a snowdrift, piled high with more snow, yet faithfully packed full of milk and meat. Sometimes, looking back, it feels almost like a bizarre dream. Our refrigerator had died unexpectedly, and we simply didn’t have the financial means to replace it immediately. So, week after relentless week, through the bitterest winter we had ever endured, we subsisted on food kept in that small outdoor cooler. Often, the milk would be partially frozen, a slushy inconvenience we learned to accept.
Then there was the period when our water supply inexplicably stopped, forcing me to trek to a neighbor’s house just to take a shower. Or the time our car broke down, leaving us without transportation, until my dearest friend graciously committed to taking me to the grocery store every single week. The broken toilets, the microwave that gave up the ghost – the list seemed endless. It’s a curious human tendency to live life so unmindfully, taking so much for granted, that it often takes the absence of something to truly realize how utterly necessary it was to our daily existence.
The Healing Power of Laughter
While I am unequivocally grateful for the comforts of modern appliances and conveniences, my deepest hope is that I will always maintain a profound gratitude for something I often take for granted, a necessity that I rarely consciously consider: laughter. Laughter is more than just a momentary burst of amusement; it’s a powerful balm for my heart, a soothing melody for my soul, and even a profound benefit for my physical body.
I am particularly grateful for the uninhibited way children embrace laughter, letting it escape without reservation, actively seeking opportunities to bring it forth in each other. Their pure, unfiltered joy is a constant reminder of its importance. Oh, how deeply grateful I am for the simple acts of smiling and laughing. Perhaps I should set aside my endless list of errands and allow myself to be a little more silly, a little more playful, a little more often. It’s a reminder to prioritize the joy that truly enriches life.
#givethanks
Day 3 – Empathy: The Profound Power of Presence
She sat beside me, my head resting on a pillow propped on the armrest, my feet curled up on the soft, worn brown leather couch. Gently, she lifted my feet into her lap and simply held them. Occasionally, the tender stroke of her thumb brushed the tops of my feet. And I cried—deep, wrenching sobs that seemed to release an ocean of pain. Sometimes, her own eyes would well up, and she would cry with me, sharing in my sorrow.
And there she remained, hour after hour, day after day, a steadfast anchor as I battled the greatest physical and emotional ordeal of my life: Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Her silent, unwavering presence spoke volumes, a testament to a bond forged in adversity.
Today, my heart overflows with gratitude for those rare souls who truly know how to mourn with those that mourn. There is an often-underestimated power in simply sitting in someone’s pit of despair, rather than frantically trying to pull them out of it. It’s the power of shared burden, of acknowledging pain without judgment or a need to fix. I am eternally grateful for that true heart, enveloped by her loyal soul, which offered solace in my darkest hour.
A Timeless Lesson from Job 2:11-13
The ancient scripture from the Book of Job offers a profound illustration of this very principle: “11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. 12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. 13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and NONE SPAKE A WORD unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.”
This passage beautifully encapsulates the essence of true empathy: the willingness to enter another’s suffering, to share in their grief without the need for words or solutions. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most compassionate act is simply to be present, to bear witness to another’s pain in silent solidarity.
#givethanks
Day 4 – Sunsets: Daily Doses of Hope
Sunsets hold a truly special significance for me. Whether I’m standing at my kitchen sink, gazing out from my living room window, relaxing on the back porch, or simply exclaiming with awe as we drive along, the magic of a sunset never fails to captivate me. Oh, how I live for both sunrises and, especially, sunsets. Even as a small girl, I was utterly mesmerized by the sheer majesty and breathtaking beauty of the sky transforming with vibrant hues. It’s as if, for just a few precious moments, you can tangibly feel the immense potential for good and beauty that our world inherently possesses.
I am deeply grateful for sunsets. For the way they demand a pause in the relentless chaos of daily life. For the consistent and unwavering feeling of hope that they always, without fail, instill within me. They are a daily reminder that even after the longest day, there is always a spectacular end, promising a new beginning with the next dawn. They represent a natural rhythm of peace and reflection, a chance to appreciate the simple, yet profound, wonders of our planet.
And oh, Mexico! 😍 Take me back to those incredible sunsets and the tranquility they offered.
#givethanks
Day 5 – You: The Unseen Community of Connection
It’s truly remarkable how life unfolds. I never once dreamed of owning my own business. In fact, for most of my life, I harbored the opposite sentiment, wanting absolutely nothing to do with entrepreneurship. I had no concept of how incredibly fulfilling this journey would become for me, and that fulfillment is almost entirely due to each and every one of you, our amazing community.
I’m incredibly glad you’re in your own homes and can’t see me right now, choked up and with blurred eyes, making it difficult to write this post. Do you even begin to comprehend the profound ways you’ve lifted and strengthened my family? Your presence and support have been nothing short of an answer to some of our most fervent and challenging prayers!
Connection and Hope: A Shared Journey
For Cade and me, this isn’t merely a “job.” For me, especially, it’s far more profound. This endeavor has become the very vehicle that allows me to pursue what I’ve secretly dreamed of my entire life, and even prayed over carefully, lest I appear selfish: the precious opportunity to connect with others and offer them a little beacon of hope and love, whenever and wherever possible.
Perhaps it doesn’t sound like the “coolest” life ambition, but sitting here in this very chair, I recognize with immense gratitude that our initially tragic beginnings ultimately led to the greatest blessing I could have ever been given: a chance to share my voice and connect with people from all corners of the world. This platform has provided a unique space for genuine interaction and mutual support.
Changed by You: Lessons in Humanity
You have truly changed me, you know. This community has taught me to slow down, to be more mindful, and to deliberately seek the good in people. You’ve reminded me, repeatedly, that everyone carries a unique story, often unseen. More importantly, you have collectively taught me that there IS an abundance of good left in the world, and absolutely nothing can silence that powerful truth. No matter how challenging things have become, invariably, one of you seems to be listening, offering precisely the right words, sending the most timely message—and not just to me, but to each other. I’ve witnessed countless instances of strangers comforting one another in comments, offering heartfelt prayers and positive thoughts, and always, always so much encouragement. It’s a beautiful testament to human kindness.
As Orson F. Whitney so eloquently stated, “A world awaits you; rich and poor, high and low, learned and unlearned… all must be sought after. .. and whither we cannot go, we must send; where we cannot speak, we must write.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our community. We may not always be able to reach everyone physically, but through our words and shared experiences, we can still connect and uplift.
Thank you, with the utmost gratitude, for allowing me to fulfill what might well be promises made long ago: to lift where we can, and to spread whatever light and love, however small, we possess. Thank you for creating and maintaining this safe space—a haven of positivity and support. You are truly the light this world desperately needs. Never stop writing the good you keep tucked inside you. You are here, right now, because of the incredible person you are, and I feel that truth profoundly. This entire space exists only because of you and your beautiful contributions.
#givethanks
Day 6 – Counsel from a Prophet: The Power of Collective Gratitude
Well, shoot! Mom has made it into yet another post! I keep teasing her that she’s going to become famous, that people will know her name and recognize her everywhere she goes. She always turns beet red and visibly cringes at the mere thought. It’s quite amusing to witness. 😂
Profound Wisdom from Mom
This morning, she called, and we delved into a conversation about some of the experiences and feelings we’ve both been navigating recently. Our discussion naturally gravitated towards the profound impact of gratitude. She articulated her thoughts on the topic so beautifully that I simply had to borrow her words for today’s post. She truly is an incredible storyteller and writer; oh, how I wish all of you could have the privilege of knowing her and hearing her insights firsthand.
She shared, “I’m so incredibly grateful for a man who, acting as a prophet of God, could receive divine direction and then boldly act upon it, declaring that what our world truly needs right now is gratitude. Who could have known that embracing gratitude would liberate me from the burdens of this world, from its hardest challenges, and from the anguish it’s causing me? And to think, we might have all sought opportunities to stand up and rage against the evils and plagues facing our world this year. But only he understood that our voices, acting in the same way others are acting, would not have been heard. It would have accomplished nothing.
Instead, the world is now being bombarded with a common, unifying voice of gratitude. Our voices are being heard, and more people are gathering under this singular call than any other initiative right now. Our individual voices might not have been heard at all in the cacophony of discontent, but they are being amplified now, collectively. We are all participating, and we are healing together. Who could have ever predicted such a powerful, unifying outcome?”
How truly profound and utterly true, Mama. I am equally grateful for President Russell M. Nelson, who courageously called forth this wave of gratitude, a movement that is visibly changing hearts across the globe. No complex tests or elaborate strategies were needed. My social media feed, and hopefully yours too, has become demonstrably lighter, happier, and more inspiring because of this collective focus. ❤️❤️❤️ It’s a testament to the transformative power of choosing gratitude.
#givethanks
Day 7 – Feeling Happy: Cultivating Inner Peace and Joy
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from today. I anticipated it would be a quieter, perhaps more subdued, occasion. Sometimes, holidays can inadvertently amplify feelings of missing loved ones or trigger a sense of sadness. However, today, my heart is overflowing with thankfulness for our capacity to feel—specifically, our capacity for peace and happiness. It’s an incredible gift that we can consciously choose to embrace these positive emotions, even when circumstances might seemingly demand that we succumb to pain or heartache.
Recognizing and Cherishing Happiness
One of my children has been particularly struggling with this lately: the challenge of recognizing happiness in the present moment and consciously holding onto it. For them, if even a small thing goes wrong or feels difficult, the immediate declaration is, “This is the worst day ever!!!”
Today, I made a conscious effort to keep putting an arm around this child, or softly pulling our noses together and whispering, “I feel happy right now, do you feel it too?” And remarkably, we did. We felt it together. The more we consciously recognized and acknowledged those fleeting feelings of happiness in the moment, the more those feelings lingered, deepening their presence within us. It’s a powerful lesson in mindfulness and emotional cultivation.
Sometimes, we tend to forget that feelings and emotions, thoughts and reactions, are not innate abilities but rather skills that must be learned, much like every other aspect of life. And today, I am so incredibly grateful for the gifts of peace and happiness. What a precious and invaluable treasure these are in a world that often seems to prefer to grumble, groan, and shout. Choosing joy is a radical act of self-care and resilience.
Profound Gratitude for People
And how could I possibly conclude without adding this: I am so profoundly grateful for people. For my own beloved family. For the fact that you have your own cherished ones. And for the beautiful reality that we have each other, even if we have never met in person. I am grateful for the spontaneous kindness of strangers and the unwavering safety and comfort found within the embrace of family. Today, above all else, I am simply, utterly grateful.
And it feels good.
And it feels right.
And I am happy. This happiness, born of gratitude, is a profound and comforting truth that anchors me.
#givethanks