Maybe it is because I was afforded an opportunity to take a few days off simply to relax and recharge, that I now find myself with a new sense of urgency and desire to accomplish even greater things than I thought possible. Rest has a peculiar way of offering that to those who choose to adopt the model, and although finding the time to truly rest and recharge gets harder and harder the busier one gets, being intentional about finding that time pays dividends in all aspects of life.
One of the big takeaways I discovered during my down time, was the idea of tackling everyday and truly making it a ‘best day’. The idea is not my own, rather a pull quote from an interview of someone on some channel I happened to have landed on during the aforementioned rest period. I really liked the way it was presented however, and immediately knew it was something that needed to be shared with you.
Years ago, long before kids, my wife and I resided in California. At the time, we attended a church that was experiencing a season of growth and change as it merged with another church, and with that merge, systems, procedures, staff, and all the other logistical items that go into a merger was on full display for the congregation to view as the process initiated and ultimately completed.
The new pastor who took over during that change would routinely discuss his morning habits, offering insight in to how his day-to-day was began. He told those who would listen, that his day began in prayer, certainly not a bad start to anyones day, and certainly something that if you are not doing, I would encourage you to start at once. But more than that, he stated that as part of that daily process, he would recite the following, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice, and be glad in it.” Of course, for those of you who have been in the church environment for more than a few minutes, might recognize that as a Psalm, Psalm 118:24 to be exact.
I love that messaging though, it is extremely powerful, and a springboard that can be used to set up a truly ‘best day’ experience. The strength of the statement comes from, first and foremost, acknowledging that we, you, me, had nothing to do with the fact that we are fortunate enough to wake up and get to live life for another day. It addresses the fact that God, and God alone made that decision.
Taking that idea a step further, once we recognize that we had nothing to do with getting to have another day, the proclamation states that, “I will rejoice, I will be glad in it.” Hey, you woke up, you get another chance, be happy about it, embrace it, own it, make it the best day you can possible make it.
Here is what I know. No matter how bad yesterday was, today is a day that can be better than the last. Think about that for a minute. No matter what terrible thing may have occurred, no matter what bad circumstance you may have found yourself in, no matter what hurdle you may have thought was standing in the way - today is new, and you are afforded the opportunity to tackle it afresh and anew.
I do not know about you, but for me that is some pretty powerful stuff that should not be taken lightly. In fact, if that does not give you hope and encouragement, perhaps there is something wrong with you.
Perhaps you are on the flip side of that equation, fortunate to not currently facing any monumental challenges, life is good right now. First off, great. I celebrate life with you and am pleased that you currently find yourself in a good place and enjoying what is going on within your life. Stop, give thanks, rejoice in the fact that you get another chance at creating a ‘best day’.
Being intentional about creating opportunity for each and everyday to be lived as a ‘best day’ positions you to not only enhance your own life, but the lives of those around you within your sphere of influence. In other words, tackling life in this manner has exponential effects on others, and your desire to make each day a ‘best day’ spills over into the lives of others creating a better world for all.
So here is the challenge this week and beyond. Make each day a best day. It sounds simple, and truth be told, it really is, but if it seems hard or impossible given the life events you currently find yourself a part of, take a minutes and simply repeat the Psalm my pastor in California recites everyday.
“This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice, and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Knowing that the words you speak have power, I promise you in speaking those words you will truly begin the process of making everyday you are fortunate enough to have left a best day that you and those around you will enjoy.
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