Choosing to Have a Good Day

This morning as I read a journal entry from January 2004 I was challenged afresh that we can choose to have a good day in spite of the circumstances that tend to bog us down. Here's that entry:

Last night we were meeting with the Peterborough Petes at The Bridge, the Kawartha Youth for Christ drop-in centre, where our chapel was going to take place. We were scheduled to start at 5:30. Nobody was there at 5:30 and I was beginning to get discouraged. Finally a few guys started arriving. We always have 16-20 guys present but only 8 players showed up plus our head trainer, Brian Miller. Some of them had legitimate reasons for not being there and had communicated those to me earlier. We enjoyed our meal but had lots of leftovers. When I went to start my message/challenge to the guys, my battery seemed dead. I just couldn't get going. I needed a boost. The cares of the day had left me flat, in spite of the affirmation and encouragement I had received from a friend just two hours earlier. As I spoke, things got a little easier but it was one of those evenings that I could easily forget, or so I thought. As we were preparing to leave, one of the players reminded me of the "Footprints" story and assured me that Jesus was carrying me through the trial.

After locking up The Bridge I wondered what to do with all the leftover food. I drove over to the Warming Centre, set up in the basement of a local, downtown church. The temperature was quickly dropping and many homeless people had already sought shelter and a bite to eat in the warmth of the church basement. Some were already asleep on mattresses on the floor. As I walked to the kitchen, many eyes followed me, anticipating some good food to take away their hunger. After hearing many "thank you's", I left the church with tears streaming down my face and my heart filled with gratitude.

Even though the day had its ups and downs, I had a warm home to go to, food in my stomach, a loving family, great friends, and a God who lifts me up when I am down. Driving home, I thanked Him for His faithfulness and realized, afresh, that I am blessed beyond measure. When we're feeling sorry for ourselves God has a way of snapping us out of our pity party by showing us the plight of others less fortunate.

Now what will today bring forth? I choose to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever" regardless of what might come my way. I have a God who loves me and He will walk with me every step the way. My prayer for you is that you will experience the touch of a loving Father today and that you will choose to walk with Him.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - (Psalm 118:24) NIV