September 21, 2012 is notable because two organizations have ordained it as a date to celebrate the things that give rise to the best in humanity—our mission for world peace, and our sense of gratitude for all we have.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. Its hope is to see the world set aside its weapons of discontent and hostility and let peace reign, even if it’s just for a day. An annual day of non-violence, a day of true peace is intended as an ideal—a way of reminding us to seek better solutions to the problems that confront us on every side, from environmental issues to those of human justice.
This year a meeting in Rio de Janeiro will bring renewed commitment from all individuals and nations involved to increase their efforts to find sustainable peace for everyone on this planet, setting the stage for a secure future for all.
As Harry S. Truman once wrote, “It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow’s viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.”
Concurrent to The International Day of Peace is World Gratitude Day. World Gratitude Day was actually started in 1965 with the intention that we should become more aware of those things that inspire us to be grateful. Its goal is to remind us of the importance of feeling and showing gratitude toward the people we love, the work we do, and the opportunities we have to fulfill our destinies.
It’s good for us, states M. D. Babcock (noted 19th century American minister and writer), to “be on the lookout for mercies. The more we look for them, the more of them we will see…Better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings to counting your troubles.”
Let us count our blessings in all things then and let us come to the 21st of September with new intentions, with a desire to appreciate the people we love, to work for the good of all humankind, to seek peace and to give honest thanks for the things in life that make such a difference in the world. Let us come to the 21st of September and give thanks for the peace in our own neighborhoods…for our homes, our friends, and our families.
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