Each Day is a Gift

Happy Tuesday FPCE Family,

A month or so ago, I shared with you the d365.org devotional site, which is primarily focused on younger Christians like college students.  Given that most of our schools are starting back up in some form or another (I'm sitting at my desk in my office at school now!), I thought it was worth going back to the site to see what reflections they were offering for us.  You'll recall that their format is short, simple reflections broken up into 5 actions: pause, listen, think, pray, go.  Here is Sunday's entry, titled "Blessing of the Student Planner:"
pause
The Lord your God is with you.
God’s Spirit goes before you as you listen, think, and respond.

listen
Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
-- Matthew 6:34

think
One of the big changes that the current pandemic has brought about is the shift from existing in an ever-changing group of people (like at school – different classes, groups, clusters of people) to being in a much smaller circle. Sociologists have been saying that we are spending much more time in our own heads. Without the distraction of other voices, environments, and interactions, we are forced to be more on our own – with only our own sights, sounds, ponderings, and outcomes. This might be a dream come true for you. Or this might be the greatest challenge of your life.

Regardless of whether this “time in your own head” is a positive or negative experience, you have TODAY. In your own head you can imagine what your day can be. You can let your dreams and hopes parade across your mind’s eye with time you might never have again!

Not worrying about tomorrow allows you to see what you and God can do today. Each day may have trouble of its own, but each day is a gift. And it sits there… in your mind.

Gina Yeager-Buckley

pray
God, I may or not have a plan for today, but let me focus on today. Let me stop and examine the possibilities for living that come with today’s hours. Today’s possibilities might lead me to quiet discoveries or important and significant changes in my life. Today’s plans might change completely! But I will be with you, God. I am here, and you are here. With all of the tools you’ve given me – to understand, comprehend, dream, plan, think, examine – I will use them for you. Amen.

go
Taking today’s moments into your breath, your heart, your hands and feet,
live what you hear from God today,
and tomorrow.


Hope you can take time to enjoy TODAY.

Peace,
Shaun