Every Day is a Gift

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never really been a morning person. Although, there are seasons when that has changed, like when our Labrador Retriever was a puppy. I think it was her life mission to turn me in to a morning person. She woke up whining at 5:30 AM every day. Like clockwork. It wasn’t because she needed to go outside, she was just ready to play and start her day. Thankfully, we’re past that now!

In this season of life, part of the challenge I have with mornings is that I am the coordinator of all that must happen to get out the door. I cherish those mornings that run smoothly, but most mornings it’s chaotic. The kids tell me they’re ready and beg to watch TV or play a video game before it’s time to leave. My general rule of thumb is no electronics before school, but occasionally their dad gives in or I give in because they got ready quickly. I get myself dressed and tell them it’s time to go. But inevitably someone forgot to brush their teeth. Or pack a snack. Or get a water bottle. The dog is jumping on the table or destroying something. I’m shouting orders and rushing us out the door. By the time I get home, I am mentally exhausted, and the day has barely begun!

But here’s what I know: every day, no matter how chaotic, tiring or trying, is a gift. We’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so waking up and being alive today is a blessing. 

One of my favorite verses to recite every morning is Psalm 118:24:

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

I often share it with my kids in the car on the way to school to calm us down from our hectic morning. (I say it so much they’ve memorized it. Yay!) I remind them that even if we have a bad morning or a bad day, there’s still something to rejoice about because God made the day. I make a list of all the things we have to be thankful for: food to eat, clothes to wear, a house to live in and family and friends to love. When we focus on those things instead of the frustrating parts of the day, it changes our attitude.

Let’s remember to rejoice and be thankful for the beauty of each day because God made it. Every day is a gift.