World Gratitude Day is celebrated annually on September 21.
The first World Gratitude Day was observed in 1966, as a way for people around the world to show gratitude for the big—and little—things in their lives. It requires us to consider our privilege, and reminds us that we often take for granted the blessings bestowed upon us. Most importantly, it reminds us that there is always something for which to be grateful.
Branson Globe readers shared what they are most grateful for, in celebration of World Gratitude Day.
Donna, who recently wed, noted, "I am grateful for my husband. After Jack passed away, I felt so alone. Then Elvin came into my life. I found love again. Love knows no age limit!"
Linda is grateful for her church - the Orthodox Christian Church.
Said Liz, "My kiddos and my stupid furball cat!"
Louise expressed her gratitude for her three beautiful grandchildren, while Carrie is grateful for the compassionate and skilled nurses and doctors who took care of her during a recent illness.
Said Cindy, "I am grateful for a slow, overcast rainy morning that encourages me to move slowly and deliberately and to pay attention to and enjoy the little things, in contrast to my usual no-nonsense, get-the-things-done mornings."
Sarah chimed in, "My one and only child, Ellis, aged eight, my miracle rainbow baby. After seven years of trying, we were blessed."
Alicia is grateful for "being alive with fewer pains today."
"My health, my family, and my home," said Nancy.
Lynda noted, "For God, family and the gift of everlasting life in heaven."
Said Karen, "Grateful for faith, family and friends."
Gail is grateful for God, while Shawna expressed her gratitude for friends and family.
Glen is grateful for his wife, Khris. Khris noted, "I am grateful that God sent Glen to me, and blessed us with some great kids. I am also grateful for some good friends!"
Renee is grateful, too, for friends and family.
Said Michael, "I can't even express my gratitude for the nurses and staff at Branson Dialysis. Grateful for amazing care so I can see my boys play their soccer game today!"
Valerie expressed her gratitude, saying, "My husband, my family, my surgeons and oncologist, and the many, many individuals who prayed for me during my cancer fight. Mostly, I'm grateful to God for sparing my life."
Seth shared, "I am grateful for the redemptive promise of a great character arc. The fact that no matter how bad we/things are, if we take the time to reflect and learn, we can always be better off tomorrow than we were today."
"I am grateful for the sober living programs in Branson, Missouri, especially Standing by the Door," said Jackie. "The last few years of being engaged with them, not only has my life changed, but I have seen many families and friends' lives restored. People have recovered that most thought they never could. Most importantly, I have seen people gain their relationship back with God. It truly is amazing!"
The Branson Globe's Karen noted, "I'm grateful for my families – the family consisting of my husband, sister, kids and grandkids, and my church family at Immanuel Reformed in Belmond, Iowa."
Dena shared, "I am grateful for the love of God for us in Christ Jesus' sacrifice on that cross."
Glenna expressed gratitude for something we should all be thankful for – "God, first, then the fact that in America I have the freedom to even answer this question in public!"
Today, we challenge our readers to reflect on what you are most grateful for, and remember the words of Will Arnett: "I am happy because I'm grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy."
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