Seize the Day
My first thoughts this morning were not "What a beautiful day!" My first comment was not "Thank you, Lord, for a good night's sleep." My first thought was not "Isn't it wonderful to be alive." I wish I could claim to be that spiritual, but alas, I cannot. And it's not because it's Monday. I know Mondays get a bad stigma, but I have nothing against Mondays. No, it wasn't the day that had me in a foul mood, but rather what I knew the day held.
Last week, I promised myself that I would get some things done and caught up this week. Today marks the beginning of the week, and my "to-do" list for today alone is a mile long. There are errands to run, articles to write and marketing to complete. The laundry basket is overflowing. There's a wedding shower to plan, dinner arrangements to be made, a meeting to attend. And my house--well, let's just say I won't be winning any "Housekeeper of the Year" awards any time soon.
As I lay in bed this morning, I thought of all that needed to be done, and my heart sank. I just want to sleep, I thought. I'm so very tired. Everyone needs to rest every now and then, right. Why must every day be so hectic? Truthfully, I wanted nothing more than to pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep. I wanted to sleep away my worries and cares. I wanted to dream rather than do.
But then I was reminded of the title of a book on my bookshelf: Every Day Deserves a Chance. I realized that I had used my attitude to doom the day before it had even begun. I didn't give the day a chance to be a good day. I took one look at my day's obligations and allowed my feelings of fatigue and stress to dictate the kind of day I was going to have. I had the chance to make it a good day, and I blew it! Instead of giving up on the day, I should have taken my thoughts and concerns to the Lord. I could have showed Him my "to-do" list and explained how overwhelmed I was feeling. I could have asked for strength and energy to conquer the items on my list. I could have handled it so much better, but I didn't give the day a chance.
There's nothing I can do about today. I started it off wrong, and I'm trying to make the best of it now. That's all I can do. But I have a goal for tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, when I awake, I pray the Lord will bring to my mind Psalm 118: 24: This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. I hope I will then commit my day to the Lord and allow Him to guide me through each task.
Did you give today a chance? Are you allowing your doubts or worries to dictate the kind of day you'll have? Remember that every day is a gift from the Lord. Let's not waste any!