THE BEST DAY

So teach us to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts
unto wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

Have you noticed how routine our days can be? Whether busy, working outside the home or not, idle most of the time, one day can blend into another day almost without notice. We may cook at the same times, read the same books, watch the same TV programs, snack here and there and pretty soon, we find ourselves getting ready for bed.

When in my teens, I recall going to the funeral of a family friend who was about 60 years of age as I recall. The pastor made the comment, “She lived a long, full life.” Yes, in my mind, she was a really old lady. I had one grandmother who died in her 50's while years later, my other grandmother died in her 80's. I can recall in my 20's, thinking I had years and years yet to live. Didn't think I'd ever get out of my 20's. Now I look back wondering where all of my days have gone.

A dear young lady to me who was given a rather dismal diagnosis with no guarantee of a long life once said to me, “I want to live each day as if it's my last.” I remember replying to her that we should be doing that anyway, whether in good or bad health. Days count individually even if we tend to bundle them into weeks, seasons or years.

This morning an ad on TV came on with beautiful music produced by Dove Chocolates. The final comment on the ad I think is a priceless one. A very kind voice said:

“Live each day as if it is the only one.”

I thought immediately of a very familiar verse to all of us...one we probably have memorized.

This is the day the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

In the aging process (and you know about the ages I'm referring to), there is a tendency to submit to the number of candles on the birthday cake, the wrinkles, arthritis and a weariness that all can lead to inactivity and a hibernation mentality. Neither would be in agreement with the verses I've suggested. Teen years and into the 20's tend to be years of selfishness and wanting one's own way. Let me suggest to you that the same thing can happen in the lives of those in their more mature years. Any days the Lord has given us are to be used to bless others for God's glory. Despite age or health issues, there are some things we can do on a daily basis, such as:
*be a daily prayer warrior
*tell someone you love them
*spend time in the Word...that is applying our hearts to wisdom
*make a call or write a note to someone who needs an encouraging word
*no matter the weather, step outside on the porch or yard and take some deep breaths
*give some time to a project...puzzle, handcraft, etc.
*count your blessings...even write them down.

Some of these things are more important than others, but would be good for anyone of any age and time to find fulfillment in each day God has given to us. Just letting day after day pass with no meaning is not anything near God's intent in our lives.

We tend to forget that each day of life is an important part of our eternity. I realize this is just the preamble to what our eternity will be so our time here is so important. I recently wrote down something that had meaning for me using the word TIME: The Immediate Moments (of) Eternity.   Eternity doesn't begin when we breathe our last. Eternity began with our conception.

Each day we live, no matter the activity, should be a day of rejoicing in the Lord for His being so real in our lives. We are blessed people having Him in our lives which is cause for rejoicing no matter the day or age.

Have useful, fulfilling days that benefit you and others...making them days of fulfillment and rejoicing.

Father, I am so grateful for the life You have given me and that You have walked me through every single day of it. There are many days I know I have disappointed You and am so sorry for that. Help me to not only look on my days as days of just living, but of having real life in those days that bring glory to You. In Jesus precious name....Amen