I think anybody that has read my posts will be aware that I have many questions in relation to my belief in the church, and even several conclusions. But I have worked hard to not see things in black and white. I have seen many people go through a faith crisis and seem to stay “stuck” in a mode that they have nothing but anger towards the church. I absolutely get the anger phase that many go through and even after years I have my days. But I have tried to force myself to think of positive framing of the church and actions of its leaders. This is partially to help me preserve some relationships, but anybody that knows me knows that is just my temperament.
During this Thanksgiving I wanted to enumerate a few things about the church that I am thankful for. Here is what I came up with:
I am thankful to the church for being a big part of teaching me a good set of morals.
I am thankful to the church for helping give me a good group of friends when growing in my teen years.
I am thankful to the church for giving me opportunities to give service.
I am thankful to the church for the good service they do offer to others.
I am thankful to the church for the help they give to improve people’s lives. I have seen many cases of people being a bit down and out and the church and the members helping get them back on their feet.
What are some things that you are thankful for the church, no matter your current relationship with the church?
Wheat & Tares 
i have a real testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints,but i had to earn it ,God will not hand out testimony,s without you putting in the effort to receive same.
Ron, You may be using “earn” differently than some others use it. How do Saul/Paul and Alma the younger fit into your generalization? I am also thankful for a real testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I don’t believe I earned it, despite sincere and diligent efforts. It was withheld despite those efforts; its being given and received only followed my threatening God with contrary action. I do not think it wise to generalize my experience to others.
I would add gratitude for all the things Happy Hubby mentioned, for the unifying effect on my family, for opportunities to study and teach and make music, and for deep and abiding friendships forged from shared goals and experiences in both good and bad times.
This is actually a difficult question to answer. Each thing I think of in terms of being thankful, I have reservations about. I am thankful for some good times such as christmas breakfast in my previous ward. The ward came together and put aside differences for one meal each year. I am thankful when I was on my mission and my companion and I bought a turkey for a family we were teaching. I am thankful for those rank and file members who are so much better than the 15 men who lead the church.
Ron, I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving (if you live in the US). God bless you and yours. And you too JR (and all the other commenters to come)!
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I am grateful for how the church produces good people. I’ve seen so many acts of pure Christ-like goodness by church members that just doesn’t happen in any other work, hobby, or volunteer organization I am involved in.
I am grateful that the church is a strong enough organization to be my spiritual foil and still retain that goodness.
I am grateful for the church teaching me the importance of sacrifice (not exactly a popular virtue in US culture at the moment) and compassion for those that are different than I.
I am grateful that regardless of difference of opinion, church leaders never get publicly angry or behave publicly without decorum, and that overall church members follow this model in day-to-day life.
I am grateful for callings as I developed some of my most valued skills because I was pushed outside my own comfort zones through teaching and leadership (and crafts!).
I am grateful for the gospel and the hope I have in Christ.
I am grateful for a quality education for a very reasonable price at a church school.
I am grateful for the moral framework in which I can raise my children – albeit imperfect.
I am grateful for a ready made group of friends when I move or even visit a new place.
I am grateful for ancestors who lived hard lives to provide me with a better life.
I’m grateful for the whole kit and caboodle — the whole plan, the scripture stories and teachings, the glorious Gospel message, the Restoration in these latter days, the Priesthood of God, priesthood government, fellowship with the Saints, and so forth.
I am grateful that my less active daughter can visit a ward and tell me that there was a gay couple in attendance, showing her that we are better than our conference addresses, and that the fruits of the spirit lead us to greater kindness and inclusivity. Thankyou all you good souls.
I’m grateful for: The opportunity to play piano as an accompanist, that the hymnbooks and children’s song books come with full music, that I grew up singing from books with full music and not just the words.
The church quite literally saved my life several years ago. Regardless of whatever reservations I have now, I will remain forever indebted to the church for giving me hope when I had nothing. I’d probably be dead if it weren’t for my involvement with the church those years ago.
And second, I’m grateful that the church gave me one of my best friends. She was my missionary when I was investigating, we kept in touch when she went home early for medical reasons, and she stayed by me when I left the church. I’m grateful for her, and I know that the church made her who she is and that the church brought us together.