Celebrate The Gift Of Today

Celebrate the Gift of Today

I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God!

Isaiah 61:10

How do we rejoice in the Lord when we live in a broken world and every time we turn on the news, we hear about another awful crime or tragic accident?

On my refrigerator is a card that says, “Celebrate today! I came that you might have life abundantly!” It’s a reminder to me that in the darkest of times I can find something to celebrate. If it’s rainy, I can celebrate the fact that I don’t have to water the garden on a scorching Oklahoma day. I can celebrate a phone call from a friend or the richness of God’s Word as I read it before I go to sleep. Each day is a gift, and although on some days it may take some thought, there is always something to rejoice about.

One of my favorite poems by William Wordsworth begins,

My heart leaps up when I behold

A rainbow in the sky:

So it was when my life began,

So is it now I am a man,

So be it when I shall grow old

Or let me die!

What makes your heart leap? What makes you want to jump for joy? Whatever it is, go do it. If it’s flying a kite, then head for the park on a windy day. As you let the string out, you can consciously release your worries and burdens to God. If it’s classic art, stroll through an art museum and let yourself be transported to another time or place. If it’s service that touches your joy button, volunteer in your community, and you’ll find your smile coming back.

When we look for the miraculous in every day—a sunrise heralding a fresh day filled with God’s mercies (see Lamentations 3:23), the miracle of salvation and forgiveness, a child’s giggle, even an angelic visitation—our hearts will leap up, wonder will fill our minds, and joy will flood our souls. —CHERI

Jesus, help me to look for the miraculous in this day and season. Open my eyes to the reasons for joy so that I can celebrate life in all its fullness. Thank you for the life abundant you have graciously given us.

Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance. —OPRAH WINFREY, TALK-SHOW HOST