"This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in
it." (Psalm 118:24 NLT)
Early morning was his time--and the porch was his place.
I didn't understand why my grandfather arose daily at five in the
morning. After all, he was a full-time farmer, had no place to be at any
particular time, and hired out most of his work. But when I spent time with
him and my grandmother in Vance, SC, I discovered why.
He rolled out of bed, put on the same pants he had worn the day
before, and headed for the kitchen. He fixed a cup of instant coffee (Sanka,
I believe.), smoked a cigarette or two, and headed for the wraparound
porch--the side facing east. Although darkness still enveloped the
surrounding fields and forests, he waited patiently.
I soon discovered why. One morning, I arose at the same time as he
did. He wanted to know why; I made up an excuse. When he sauntered onto the
porch, I followed and sat beside him. As shapes began to appear, I saw what
he came for. The sky turned an orange hue. An array of colors infiltrated
the clouds. And then it appeared. The sun peeked over the pines that
surrounded the fields in front of us. That's what he waited for.
Once the sun topped the trees, my grandfather got up and went about
his business. He wasn't an overly religious man, but I believe he knew God
authored each new day--as did the Psalmist. And each day, the Psalmist
rejoiced.
My grandfather's morning routine reminded me that God controls nature.
He began the world through acts of creation, and He still controls it. Sin
causes nature to do things God probably never intended--such as form natural
disasters that take lives and property. But God can turn the hurricane,
tsunami, or tornado if He chooses.
Beginning and ending my day with thanks for a new day is proper. Since
God made the day, He must have things for us to do within it. Through prayer
and attention to His indwelling Spirit, we discover what they are. Every day
provides an opportunity to serve Him by serving others, to use the gifts
He's given, to care for the world He's created, and to prepare ourselves for
the eternity He has prepared.
Don't let your emotions or circumstances ruin each new day God
creates. God controls both, and He can help you rejoice, regardless of what
the day brings.
Martin Wiles
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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