Counting Down the Days

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

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

I pulled up my calendar on my phone and counted the days. How many days until the next fun trip? The next visit from family? The first day of school? My mind ran through the list of upcoming events, already dreaming up ways to make the most of our summer.

At the same time, questions lingered in my thoughts. As my kids get older, I often wonder what's ahead… for them, and for myself. What do you have planned next, Lord? Some seasons of waiting feel never-ending, and I'd love a sneak peek at the future. As I voiced my questions to Jesus, He reminded me to focus on what He's called me to do today… not tomorrow… not next week… not three months from now or three years from now. What's before me today? How can I honor Him in this moment, showing up in the present right now?

Today may bring its own difficulties… sometimes even tears from my kids (or myself) when things don't go our way… but I can remember that today itself is a gift from God. Psalm 118:24 reminds us, "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." I have a choice in how I approach each day, uncertainties and all. Will I get frustrated by the unknown, or will I choose to revel in the goodness of the God who made today?

Do you often get wrapped up in what's next, dear one? Look at what the Lord has given you today and rejoice in it. Remember that God holds tomorrow in His capable hands. Be faithful in the calling He's placed before you today.

The next time you catch yourself pulling up your calendar and counting down the days, don't forget to treasure today for all that the Lord has made it to be.