We’ve gotten besieged with sorrow over the last few weeks.  Loved ones of our loved ones suddenly, without warning, passing away.

I told Jennifer, “If the phone rings at 1:00 a.m. again don’t answer it.  Nobody’s calling to tell us we won the lottery at 1:00.”

I know I’m not alone.  I’m sure you can relate.  You haven’t even worked through all 12 steps of the grief recovery program before it starts all over.

Yet, this morning as I fixed breakfast, I thought how God’s grace and healing springs fresh as the new day begins.

David sings, “Weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

Somehow after finally sleeping and then seeing the sun shining I feel God’s presence renewed.  I believe he has a way out of the darkness and I feel his unexplainable joy filling me again.

It comes not because you worked through all 12 steps successfully, good luck with that project.  But rather because you took the most important step.  You rested in the love of the one who can see the end from the beginning and promises, “I am with you always.”

Then the sun rises in the morning beaming light through your windows and into your soul.

*Psalm 30:5 (NIV)

I have a special gift.  I can wake up to a fresh new day and crash into the dumps even before breakfast.  And if I’m not careful it can carry over making for a marvelous day.

I’d guess you’ve perhaps had a couple of those yourself.

Yet, I’ve discovered an antidote which helps transform my outlook.

I pause long enough to remember that God created this new day just for me and choose to start it in joy.

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

I love that verse.  I don’t memorize well but that verse I have and it can transform my attitude in an instant.

This morning when you woke up God had already pulled the night shift creating this new day just for you.

Sure, it might have some challenges, maybe some heartache.  Many days do.

But God also promises a blessed day.  A day to see his miracles, feel his love and enjoy his beauty.

Wow!  I don’t think it gets much better.

And imagine if you started every day with that focus.

Heck, I’m smiling just thinking about it.

So have a blessed day today!  Oh, and tomorrow too.

*Psalm 118: 24 (NIV)