TODAY’S GIFT
Another day… Uhhhh… Things to do, people to see, hurdles to clear. There will be problems, there always are. I prepare myself mentally for the setbacks ahead, like a lawyer planning his case. I’ll consume a good part of the day preparing to make my point, to win.
What will I gain today? What will I lose?
It’s easy to fall into the trappings of this life and get caught up in the moment. I’m not endorsing a life of no responsibility or ignoring reality, I’m considering the perspectives that make up our mindset regarding a day.
Is life good or isn’t it? Is each day a blessing or a curse? To be sure we don’t live in the Garden Of Eden, those days are long past. What was the first day like? I’ll bet it was stunning… Doesn’t today still hold some of that beauty?
The sunrise and sunset; is it something to stand in awe of, or curse the sun for being in our eyes? Is the weather not up to our exact desire? Or can we find comfort in another day regardless of conditions? Are the birds a nuisance or are they a gift to observe?
It was cold outside as I wrote, but I sat outside anyway… the new pals the birds and I. As I sat considering a day, a few things came to me… We don’t get that many days in our lifetime, to be sure not many of us will be satisfied with the amount of days appointed to us.
In truth there haven’t been that many days since the first one. Each day is a gift and one of our most precious commodities. I’ve squandered many of the days I’ve been given. Early in life, to the foolish things of youth. In the middle years I’ve overlooked the gift of a day, trying to collect things that will rust or turn to dust.
Today is a gift from God… I’m not suggesting we won’t have troubles, that is a guarantee in this fallen world and a promise from Jesus Christ himself, but He also said, “But take heart for I have overcome the world.”
If God has overcome the world, doesn’t that include today and every day? Since we have that promise, shouldn’t we “rejoice and be glad” in each day, regardless of the fallen nature we deal with on a daily basis?
The oranges are almost ripe for the second yield this year. I love eating fruit off the tree. The birds get their fair share, picking the ones that have been pecked by the birds is just part of the process. I don’t blame them, I’d eat the oranges if I were a bird too…
As I sat in the chill enjoying the day, I was approached by one of my new pals. I’m not sure he really liked me at all, after all, I’m no Dr. Doolittle. The little sparrow knew I had bread. If he had the guts, I had the bread to share. I sat the crumbs on the table in front of me. He watched from a distant chair, back, waiting, longing for some breakfast.
He finally got the guts to fly over and land on my table. He looked me in the eyes for a few seconds to make sure I was safe before he grabbed the biggest piece in his beak and flew off. That bird celebrates every day with a song, almost as if he is aware that the Creator knows the number of his days and when he falls.
If our Father cares for the birds of the air, how much more should we celebrate and appreciate today’s gift from God?
bill (cycleguy)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 @ 3:39 am
With you on this one Floyd. I see each day that i wake up as a day God has given me to live. I am thankful for that. Each day has its challenges, to be sure, but I can also know when I lay my head on my pillow at night that He went through the day with me. Knowing He takes care of the sparrow should be enough reminder for me. Thanks.
Floyd
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 @ 6:43 am
Well said Bill, He does go through each day with us, it’s just a matter of if we allowed His power to make ours a good one or not. That gift of free will is more amazing than we comprehend. Thanks Bill.
Pat Bowling
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 @ 9:45 am
First, please forgive me for not stopping by more often. I could give you a long list of excuses but none of them should get in the way of supporting a friend.
Thanks for the gentle reminder. I confess I am guilty of not seeing each day as a gift. There is an older gentleman at church that, when asked asked how he’s doing, always responds with “Any day I wake up is a great day!”
I allow myself to FEEL overwhelmed; I’m not necessarily overwhelmed but I can easily feel that I am. Matthew 6:24 says, “Don’t worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will take care of itself.” “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10; two scriptures I would be wise to recite every morning before my feet hit the floor. God is our Creator and the Creator of our days; if we listen closely I think we will hear Him say, “I got this.”
Because we are not promised tomorrow, we would be wise to enjoy today.
Floyd
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 @ 10:06 am
Thanks Pat. I know how full your plate is. Anytime you can stop by and share your words of wisdom with anyone who might be reading, is truly and honor and a blessing from God. Those are two verses I too should remind myself of before my feet hit the floor.
Nancy
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 @ 10:04 pm
Thank YOU , Floyd, for sharing YOUR gift with all of us! I used to love that old song “You Gotta Stop and Smell the Roses…”
We made ourselves go on a 1.5 mile walk tonight and took time to stop and watch the sun at each point in the sunset as it played out over the delta. I was wound up tighter than an old watch before we left and really needed to “let down”.
One things for which I AM thankful, is that every morning when I am waking up there is a song playing in my mind. Today it was , “This is The Day That The Lord Hath Made.”
You’re right it’s always perception – and it IS our call, our choice. If we listen to the Holy Spirit it is even manageable. If th4 step of the righteous man are ordered by the Lord, then it’s up to us to check in regularly for our orders.. We are told that the Blessings of the Lord maketh rich, and they add no sorrow with them.” That is good enough for me! Thanks again for all the reminders.
Floyd
Thursday, February 2, 2012 @ 6:54 am
Thank you for your reminder as well. I think you’re spot on when you said we need “to check in regularly for our order.” Good call.
April
Thursday, February 2, 2012 @ 7:02 am
I’m in that place right now where I know that I am not really overwhelmed but because I’m not quite organized on what I need to do each day and what my running to do list is, I feel overwhelmed a lot. That line, “If our Father cares for the birds of the air, how much more should we celebrate and appreciate the gift from God of each day?”, reminds me that I need to stop and take a breath and let God measure my steps because He’s already got this day planned out.
Floyd
Thursday, February 2, 2012 @ 9:23 am
Amen April! We all need that reminder. He already knows our day, it’s only our free will to trust and truly enjoy the day the way He planned it or allowed it. May God direct your paths, and may the be straight and level before you. Thanks April.
Hazel
Thursday, February 2, 2012 @ 3:53 pm
A day and its purpose! We each have a goal, whether it is to complete the assignments given us for this day, or to reschedule for tomorrow what is not done today.
Birds so often bring us blessings as we watch them. This bird was first observant to see if you were an enemy or a friend. Still uncertain, he quickly took the bread and flew away without so much as a simple thanks! We often grab what we can and forget to say thank you. May we ever be thankful for each new day and what it brings? Another chance to live this day and show forth God’s love.
Voni
Thursday, February 2, 2012 @ 4:15 pm
It’s been a bit tough to remember lately, but if God cares for the sparrows, then He is also Immanuel, God with us–God with me–and each day is a gift.
Floyd
Thursday, February 2, 2012 @ 4:35 pm
It is tough to remember isn’t it? I have to remind myself, to grasp the true perspective I’m supposed to have, instead of letting the flesh carry me away into the world and its worries. God with us… That is more than we could ever grasp or need.
Floyd
Thursday, February 2, 2012 @ 4:33 pm
Great thoughts Hazel. Each day is another chance to do it right. You know, I didn’t even think about the little guy not being thankful… I like to think he was, at least as much as our fine feathered friends can!
Effie-Alean Gross
Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 2:57 pm
Sometimes we just don’t take the time to appreciate life and the awesomeness of God’s gifts. Scripture compares life to “a story that has been told.” We enjoy and then, too soon, it’s over. Great post…terrific reminder, Floyd.