I've been thinking about being thankful. While considering my thankfulness I've wondered who I would be if I were unthankful.

If I were unthankful I doubt I would recognize the mercy and grace God has shown me. As a result I would lack the ability to be gracious and merciful towards others. Therefore, I would be unforgiving, hateful, arrogant, selfish, vengeful, gluttonous and rude. I would be ego-driven to feed the lusts of my flesh and motivated by self-preservation. I would not have a very close relationship with God, nor would I honor or acknowledge Him.

It's in my human nature to be who I've described above. Though I've yet to completely overcome myself, and I know I still have a long way to go, I also know how far I've come. He's changed me, and He has invested much to do so. I'm thankful He considers me a worthy investment. I'm different because of it, and I'm thankful for it.

Taking time to consider the kind of person I would be if I wasn't thankful put my thankfulness into perspective. It's made me realize again who I would be without God. It's caused me to remember my struggles and victories and intentionally acknowledge to myself how God has used both to make me better. I am blessed because of these relationship building experiences I've had with my Savior. I consider my ability to be thankful to be one of my greatest blessings. I am thankful I'm not unthankful. I'm thankful I'm thankful.