What is the one thing we can do in our lives that could so simply affect everyone around us and even those that are not around us? What can we do that is so small and relatively easy for us, but can make one of the biggest impacts on the world around us? What is one attribute that we can learn to possess and use that would always have a positive affect on those we come into contact with? It is very clear and very simple. We could learn to become appreciative. We could become appreciative of those around us, of what they do, of who they are. In an address President Gordon B. Hinckley, the prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, gave to students of Brigham Young University he tells them, "We can be appreciative in a very sincere way. We must not only be tolerant, but we must cultivate a spirit of affirmative gratitude for those who do no see things quite as we see them." Just imagine how different our existence would be, if we could all follow President Hinckley's counsel.
By being appreciative of others and not just being tolerant but grateful for their differences there are so many good things that could possibly begin to come about. Education would never be stopped. It would be a continual process with no limitations, because people and their new ideas would not be put down. With more appreciation for others and their uniqueness we would be able to better learn from each other and combine our intelligences. I am certain technologies would advance in untold ways. Countries would grow together in appreciation and trust. Contentions and arguments would begin to subside in the world. On a more personal level, friendships would grow. Life would become fuller, flavored by differences and new experiences. The ...