“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
–Psalm 118:24 (NLT)

There are so many things worth celebrating in life which we tend to pass over or take for granted. One Valentine’s Day, when I was in high school, I remember getting a lot of very nice presents from my parents and having a great Italian dinner with them. When it was all over and I was getting ready for bed, I admitted my wish that this fun day would last forever. My stepfather told me that every day is a gift from God. It’s true that each day is not a physical present you can unwrap, but it’s actually better than any present. Each day is a new opportunity to glorify God, love other people and get some work done. I know there’s only so much time in one day, but we can really do a lot in that time if we work at it.

I also believe that each day is a new chance to glorify God and celebrate His love for us. God’s mercy is new every morning, so He is always ready to forgive our sins and bring us closer to Him. Not one of us deserves this wonderfully vast love, but God is offering it to us just the same.

Finally, I try to celebrate each day because it’s a new stepping stone in God’s plan for me. Only God knows what will happen during each new day, but He has told us in His word that He makes all things work together for good, for anyone who believes in Him and is called by Him. Therefore, I am learning every day to trust in God and His plan for my life.

I pray that each of you will learn to find the same joy each day, and that each of you will get to know God if you don’t already know Him. I know we don’t always have great days, and some circumstances catch us by surprise, but the joy of God’s constant presence can help you to make every day a gift, if you’re willing to seek Him out.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You may also send your donation to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870.

If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 641-715-3900, ext. 874157.