Imagine if you gave a good friend a present, all wrapped up and shining in the light. What if that friend, instead of opening the package, set it aside. He or she tells you, “Oh, thanks. But I’ll get to it later. I’m really not all that excited about a present right now. I have other things to do.”

How would you feel? Upset? Disappointed? More than a little irritated that you’d gone to all that trouble, and your friend couldn’t care less?

Now, think about this day. Yes, this very day, this moment. It is a day that the Lord, with all his love and care, has made and has given to us. Thoughtfully. Happily. Self-lessly. This day is all wrapped up with wonder, with the mysteries of his Creation and the sights and sounds of natural beauty.

Yes, this is the day the Lord has made, and he gives it to you and me.

What are we going to do with it?

Are we so focused on pain, illness, and clouds that seem to never go away? Are we going to set aside this day to think about tomorrow or regret yesterday? Are we going to eye today fearfully, not sure if we even want to see what it holds?

Or, are we going to raise a heavenward “Thank you, Father!” and eagerly tear open the package and see what gifts await us this time?

This day.

Today.

Today, I’m going to be that friend who accepts the gift, opens the package, and gives great thanks, no matter how small the blessings may be this day.

How about you?

Blessings for this day,

Maureen