Rejoice in the day

"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

If your Newsfeed automatically pops up running news like mine does, you might have been both shocked and saddened, as I was, to read that a 44-year-old Norwegian woman, whose name is still being withheld, was struck and killed by lightning while participating in the 75-mile Sudtirol Ultra Skyrace in Italy on Saturday. According to a press release posted on the race’s Facebook page and website, the strike occurred at around 7:15 p.m... Due to the dangerous storms, officials called off the race about 30 minutes before the strike, and were stopping runners at the aid stations... However, many runners were between aid stations in spots that track marshals could not reach them, as was the case with the Norwegian runner. 

And you know, as this story shows, our days do not always go as we plan them and are certainly not guaranteed. Which is why I made the decision long ago to "rejoice and be glad" in each one of them. You see, I have come to realize that each and every day "that the Lord has made," and more importantly given me to enjoy, is a one-of-a-kind, beautiful and full-of-opportunities priceless gift that I will never get back. It will literally pass before my eyes and I will have either spent it with a smile on my face praising the One who made it or not. And you know what? Each new day gives you an opportunity to choose to rejoice or not as well. 

So I hope that today and every day, knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed, you will choose to "rejoice and be glad" in the “day that the Lord has made.” After all, this day is truly an unmerited, undeserved, and precious present from the Giver of all good things.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our days are fleeting and never guaranteed. Knowing that life could end at any moment, help us to rejoice and be glad in each second, each minute, each hour and each day that You grant us. And as we do so Lord, may others come to seek the cause of our great joy and then join us in rejoicing! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Rejoice - Chris Tomlin