“Does anyone scorn a day of small beginnings?  When they see the stone of distinction, they shall rejoice.”  Zechariah 4:10

“We want each one of you to show the same diligence, so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end.”  Hebrews 6:11

Some days we know will be big … getting married, giving birth, first day of vacation, season opener!  Then there are the other days, days we count because they don’t count … …”manic Monday”, “over the hump Wednesday, “TGI Friday”, “just get through the day” days, looking ahead to something else, something better.

It is easy for us, the “haves” – people with hope and plenty of other things – to wake up with enthusiasm.  Our routine, our ordinary, is generally pretty good – fresh coffee, enough to eat, feel good exercise, friends.  Each day we can greet the sun is a gift to be and do something we enjoy.

But there are too many “have-nots” … people with little hope and less of other things, basic necessities, basic freedoms, loving relationships.  For some a day of small beginnings will become big with an unpleasant surprise:  a serious accident, a life-threatening diagnosis.  These days aren’t big with excitement and celebrations, but they are not at all small.            

Ordinary days become extraordinary when we pause to consider the love of God and the beauty and wonders of the earth.  Bigger than winning any lottery is the spiritual hope we have, every day, in Jesus Christ; and when we realize the love of family and friends.  For those days when the time of trial comes, really big days which will surely come to all of us, this is our assurance of hope and peace.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,

Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day …….

Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.  Amen

(Prayer text Jan Struther)

Verla Olson

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party