What is Today to You?

The day after we arrived in Canada was their Canada Day celebration (July 1st) which is their version of our Independence Day on July 4th.

They celebrate the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867. Seeing all the flags and attending an event in Port Colborne, reminded me that Americans don’t hold exclusivity to patriotism. Canadians are very patriotic as well.

So I wondered if the US is the only country where people create weird and wacky holidays. So, I checked and according to one web source, Canadians also have their share of unusual holidays.

Today on July 12, I came across the following.

• Battle of the Boyne Day
• Cow Appreciation Day
• Eat Your Jell-O Day
• National Different Colored Eyes Day
• National Pecan Pie Day
• Orangemen’s Day
• Paper Bag Day

While I’m not sure about the accuracy of these days, I am sure of this. Wherever you live, regardless of the country or circumstances, God has given you this day of life. The Psalmist offered this reminder and exhortation. “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24).

What does today mean to you?

#1 Remember today is God’s gift to you.

In God, we “live and move and sustain our very existence.” He is the giver of life. And by His goodness, we live to enjoy today. Bill Keane once quipped, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow’s a mystery. Today is a gift of God. That’s why we call it the present.”

When we spend the day griping, fussing, and complaining we are disrespecting God’s gift to us. When we approach the day with fear, dread and worry we are misusing the day God blessed us with.

#2 Dedicate today to God’s glory.

Admittedly some days are better than others. We have days of joy and sorrow. Sickness and health. Poverty and riches. Good and bad. But today is all that we have. So, we must find a way to use it to God’s glory.

Regardless of today’s circumstances, what can I learn? About myself? About God? About life? Is there a lesson that God may be teaching me that makes today unique?

Regardless of today’s challenges, how can I grow? Spiritually? Mentally? Emotionally? Hall of fame basketball coach, John Wooden, used to tell his players, “When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur…” Don’t miss today’s opportunity to grow.

Regardless of today’s obstacles, who can I help? Maybe it’s simply a smile. A kind word. A pat on the back. A text message. An email. Or it may be my commitment to excellence, and courage to be the best I can be that inspires someone else.

#3 Celebrate today in the goodness of God.

The Psalmist said, “rejoice and be glad.” 199 times the Bible exhorts God’s people to “rejoice.” Those who belong to God and enjoy His grace and goodness have a reason for rejoicing.

There are many reasons today to “rejoice in the Lord.” Physical protection. Material abundance. Spiritual blessings. Good friends. Loving family. Caring brethren. These and so many more elicit daily rejoicing. And even in times of sorrow and heaviness of heart, there’s always a silver lining that leads to be glad that we belong to the Lord.

Today is a new day. Don’t let yesterday interfere with your present. Rejoice!

So today, let me…

…Remember who I am.
…Thank God for who He is.
…Be kind to someone who’s been unkind.
…Think positive.
…Forgive others’ trespasses.
…Love God with my whole heart.
…Pause to pray.
…Meditate on God’s Word.
…Lend a helping hand.
…Praise a friend.
…Smile instead of frown.
…Tell a family member how much I love them.
…Remember that today is yesterday’s tomorrow.
…Seize opportunities to do good.

Today, I hope you have a great day!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman