Text: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:1-9, 24
Reflection:
Following our live-stream worship service on Sunday, and a Zoom meeting with members of the Executive Committee of Council and our staff, I decided I needed to get a bit of fresh air. So I leashed up three of our four Vizslas and headed outside for a 2 ½ mile walk around our neighborhood. The air was crisp and the sky was cloudy, but it felt good to be outside.
As I was walking, I was thinking how difficult and surreal things are right now as the Covid-19 virus continues to invade our community, nation, and world. I must admit, just the thought of what is currently unfolding is daunting! I find I have so many questions, and so few answers!
Well, as the dogs and I turned onto another street, there on the grey sidewalk in front of us were several colorful chalk messages that caught my attention. On one sidewalk square was written the word, “Smile!” On another was written, “☺ Be Happy” (with a big heart). And on a third was written: “Hang in there!” (with another big heart).
Now I do not know who the person was who chalked the sidewalk. I assume it may have been a child. But what I do know is that those simple messages lifted my spirit and gave me hope. Those simple messages helped me to remember that even in the midst of the unknown, and even in the thick of feeling overwhelmed and anxious, there is still life to be enjoyed, and celebrated, and lived to its fullest.
So today may you see the gift of this day that God has given us…and as much as possible, “rejoice and be glad in it.”
Prayer:
Loving God, help us to receive today as the gift it is. May we live today with a positive expectation and with trust in your loving presence. We may not be able to change the challenging realities we are currently facing, but we can choose the way we are going to face today, and perhaps even change our attitude toward it. So help us, O God, to live today gratefully…with faith, hope, and love. Amen.
Focus for the Day:
Today I am going to try to live with a balanced view and look for joy in midst of the many present uncertainties.
Author: Rev. Bob Livingston