Gratitude is usually an act that follows action. In a day when lying and deceit become commonplace, we do not give thanks for what has been given until at last it is in our hands. As my real-estate working dad puts it, “We do not celebrate until the money hits the bank.”
But with some people their word is enough to feel as though the gift is given, the price is paid, the promise is performed. Such it is with Jesus. His promises to us have been fulfilled, are being fulfilled, or will be fulfilled. All of them.
“that I may remember my covenants which I have made unto the children of men, that I may set my hand again the second time to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel;
And also, that I may remember the promises which I have made unto thee, ______ (insert your name), and also unto thy father, that I would remember your seed (2 Nephi 29:1-2);”
If you have been fortunate enough to make covenants with God, you may begin thanking him for blessings not yet delivered, promises yet unfulfilled, and gifts not yet given, for they are yours.
Our own remembrance of the Patriarch’s words or of the baptismal promise or of covenants made in holy houses are pillars to stand on, where we shall not fall.