REFLECTIONS Thanking God for the Seagulls in Your Life By Kim Woodbury Consider these three ways to recognize and remember God’s mercy. n Temple Square in Salt Lake City, been rescued from situations I couldn’t 2. Bear testimony. Sharing our OUtah, a monument commemorates overcome on my own. Although I’m not experiences with others—in a significant event in Church history. planning to build a physical structure, Church meetings, home evening, In 1848, crickets attacked the crops I want to find tangible ways to remem- or one-on-one conversations—can planted by the struggling pioneers, ber and testify of the mercy of God. In strengthen those around us and but part of the harvest was saved when the October 2007 general conference, help us remember. flocks of seagulls swooped down and President Henry B. Eyring, Second 3. Extend mercy to others. Another devoured the crickets. In honor of this Counselor in the First Presidency, powerful way to remember God’s miracle, the Seagull Monument was encouraged us to “find ways to recognize mercy to us is to extend mercy to erected in 1913. It shows two bronze and remember God’s kindness,” and he His children. Through forgiving seagulls on top of a granite column. promised that we “will be blessed as [we] and serving others, we demon- There are also four raised panels that remember what the Lord has done.” 1 strate that we’ve allowed God’s tell the story of the crickets and seagulls As I pondered on how I could build mercy to change our lives and to millions of visitors every year. a monument to God’s mercy in my own make us more like our Savior. One day while walking on Temple life, I realized that there are several Just as the Seagull Monument on Square, I paused to read one of those simple things we all can do. Temple Square testifies to the world panels, which says, “Erected in grateful about a pioneer miracle, these simple remembrance of the mercy of God to 1. Write it down. Creating a written acts can help each of us create a last- the Mormon pioneers.” As I read those record (such as a journal, personal ing monument to the mercy of God words, a question came to my mind: history, or family letter) allows us in our lives. ◼ “How do I remember the mercy of God to reflect on inspiring memories The author lives in Utah, USA. in my life?” when times are hard, strength- I’ve been the recipient of divine mercy ening our faith and helping us NOTE 1. Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, Remember,” many times. Like the pioneers, I’ve endure well. Ensign, Nov. 2007, 67. ERIC CHOW BY ILLUSTRATION 36 Ensign .