The other will take place on September 21, which is World Gratitude Day. This began in 1965 at the International East-West Center in Hawaii during a Thanksgiving Dinner. At the dinner, attendees pledged to hold a Gratitude Gathering the following September 21st in their home countries. This grew to be an annual event on a global level. World Gratitude Day is described as "a holiday for all peoples, a day of meditation for all religions, a day of celebration for all humanity, united by knowledge of simultaneously shared emotion, a day when triumph of the spirit can make a world community."
While World Gratitude Day is celebrated once a year, this annual occasion reminds us we should all be grateful for each and every day we have. As the summer days have rolled into September and the advent of fall, I am thankful for the occurrences of beauty in every day surprises. The photo below is one I took several weeks ago captured in the early morning hour. A welcome rain had fallen the night before resulting in a low-lying fog that drifted over pastures and hills as daylight broke. I felt grateful to be a witness to God's indescribable beauty, which He displays in nature in a landscape that speaks of peace.
I had another September surprise with an early morning ultra-light "fly-by" with the American flag. Our local patriot will do this on occasion as a reminder of our country's history in sacrifice and the mark of God, which the flag represents. (See post on "Identity of the American flag", Monday July 1, 2013 - archives located in the right column of this page written in red text.) I view the flag as a symbolic sentry over this nation in the safeguard for freedom and peace.
I am also grateful for family and friends who enrich my life. My Father of Lights has blessed me many times through the love, support and encouragement that I have received from these special ones throughout the years. Where would we be if there were not people in our lives who truly cared. They are treasured gifts in my life who walk beside me in this journey of life and reaches into the eternal, our true home.
I recently viewed this commercial, which is rich in character and substance in its message. Some commercials that we view have more of these two attributes than some of the shallow sit-coms and reality shows they sponsor. Basketball is a rigorous sport, even more so when played within the confines of a wheelchair. The attitude is determination, showing skills learned without the use of legs. The surprise ending leaves one feeling humbled and in awe of the camaraderie and friendship which has been built between these men to make another man's life a happier place in their commitment to such a friendship. Such wonderful things can happen when people pull together for the good of others; be it peace we all yearn for in the world, gratitude for what we have and for selfless actions in the intention of God to love one another. Watch this and be inspired! I do have to say that if Guinness would make the nations behave this way in good will... let's all have a round throughout the world.....
You can also view this video by clicking on the below link, presented by Edward Heising. He published the clip on YouTube on September 3rd. As of this date, there have been over 5,000,000 views. The commercial itself was created by BBDO New York with music "To Build a Home" by Cinematic Orchestra.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwndLOKQTDs
Until we meet again at the Turn-Up Patch on Monday, September 30th; here's a quote for you by William A. Ward.... God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'thank you?'
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