As I sat down to write this month’s column, I reflected upon what is taking place in our world now and what has taken place over the past forty years.

Forty years? Yes, I started my banking career nearly forty years ago, on Oct. 7, 1985.

As I reflect upon the past four decades, there is one word that keeps coming to mind, and that is gratitude. I understand that you may be thinking, “How can gratitude be your guiding thought in light of the level of division, contentiousness and uncertainty in our world?”

I totally understand the thought process and the concerns resulting from the events and circumstances in our world. My understanding also comes from the view of my world during my 62 years on this planet in that there has never been a perfect time and every generation has faced serious challenges. For example, my parents lived through the Great Depression, World War II and the impacts of Nazi Germany.

My great great grandparents settled in Barry County just prior to the start of the Civil War. A time period in which families and our nation were torn apart through war and our nation was divided over slavery.

The amazing aspect that shines through from all of these historical events is resiliency. That’s one of the incredible things I have witnessed in my life is that people, families, towns and our wonderful nation are incredibly resilient.

I’ve seen the same thing during the past 40 years in banking. My career has seen banks weather the farm crisis in the ‘80s, the savings and loan crisis, the impacts from Sept. 11, 2001, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In light of what I have witnessed, I am confident that our nation can find its way forward from the current levels of discord and tension.

As I write the word “gratitude,” I reflect upon those who had confidence in me and were willing to take a chance on a slow talking kid from Cassville during the past four decades. I am forever thankful for Bill Easley, Doug Warbinton, Scott Spencer and the late Tim Frye for the confidence they had in my abilities.

I will always reflect on the daily afternoon sessions at Whitley’s in the presence of Bill, Tim and Scott, along with Joe Ellis, Don Cupps and David Cole. In addition to the legendary vanilla Dr. Peppers, the sessions were a masterclass on banking, business law, the Cassville community and life in general.

I will never forget Joe’s advice right after Darla and I had gotten married and we were getting ready to go on our vacation/honeymoon. Joe said, “Now, don’t be trying to tell Darla not to pack too much. That won’t go well for you.”

And, of course I am so grateful for my parents, Bill and Adella Horner, my wonderful wife, Darla, and my kids, Chase, Madison and Antwan for believing in me, especially during the times when I was going through challenging circumstances.

And, I look back with such pride for the opportunity to attend Cassville R-IV School District from Kindergarten through my graduation in 1981. Russ Robinson, Faye Priest, Becky Preddy and Gayle Fields, along with so many others, provided me with a learning environment that was so motivating, challenging and fun.

Because of all of these attributes, in my opinion, there’s not a better place to live, work and raise a family.

One final note about gratitude: I am writing a new book, which is non-fiction piece, and the subject matter is about living a life of gratitude in a challenging and divided world. I would love to hear from you and your stories about how gratitude has helped, shaped and impacted your life. Please feel free to reach me at my email address below if you would like to share your story.

Thanks to Kyle and Jordan for the opportunity to write each month in this wonderful newspaper. We are so fortunate to have the Cassville Democrat in our wonderful community. I will close my column with the thoughtful words from the legendary late Judge Frank Caprio, who recently passed away: “Happiness isn’t about having everything; it’s about being thankful and grateful for what you have and making the most of where you are.”.

Jon Horner is a local community bank president, published author, newspaper columnist, motivational speaker, and mayor of America’s Real Hometown. He can be reached at jonhorner77@gmail.com.