Had I not received an e-mail this morning informing me that today (Sept. 21) is World Gratitude Day, I wouldn't have known! Based on what I discovered later on the Internet, I've failed--for years--to celebrate this day, which started in 1965 in Hawaii when folks from many nations gathered together and decided it would be a good idea to have one day per year to formally express gratitude. On every Sept. 21st since then, folks all around the world have reflected on the good people and things in their lives.
The founders of Gratitude Day believe taking time one day a year to reflect on the amazing things we have will increase our well-being and make us happier, more contented people. Since they're definitely right about the positive effects of feeling grateful, why, I wonder, shouldn't every day be Gratitude Day? Why limit expressing gratitude to only one day of the year (in addition, of course, to celebrating Thanksgiving Day with family and friends)?
Couldn't we change attitudes (ours and those of others!) by pausing many times every day to thank God for the many blessings He showers upon us and to find creative ways to express gratitude to the people who enrich our lives in untold ways? The apostle Paul chose to write a letter to his friends to remind them of the love and gratitude he felt for them. Here's a bit of what he said:
He realized, as do we, that when people know they are loved and appreciated, that "makes their day" and inspires them, in turn, to express their gratitude to people who mean so much to them.
Let's begin the gratitude chain today and continue it every day so that we can help spread gratitude throughout the world!
I felt my way around the foot of the bed and then across the room to open the plantation shutters so that light could enter the unfamiliar dark bedroom where I'd slept. As I noticed how easily and quickly the light flowed in, I thought about how even a little bit of light made a huge difference in my ability to see where I was and to move around safely. The light was available. All I had to do was let it in!
I also thought about how much better life is for you, Dear Reader, and me, when we open our minds and hearts to the light of truth. Regrettably, all too often we stubbornly refuse to acknowledge the truth and/or let it permeate our lives. We foolishly try to make sense of our life, of our world, while stumbling around in the darkness, without the benefit (and the blessing) of the light that is given to everyone who believes in Jesus. How different our lives would be if only we'd turn to Him and experience the truth of what He said centuries ago: "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness" (John 12:46, NASB). His light is always available. All we have to do is let it in!
