Today is the Day!

How do you like to start your day? I know, I know. A little Folgers in your cup…or for many of you a Starbucks grande triple caramel macchiato. Ok, let me rephrase the question. What I really meant to say was, “How do you prepare yourself mentally and spiritually for the day ahead?” When the sun rises, are you more apt to say:

(a) “Can’t I sleep for another 15 minutes? Maybe I should call in sick.”
(b) “Rise and shine! Time to get started on my Top 100 List of To-Dos!”
(c) “God, I thank you for the day ahead. Please give me the insight, motivation, and strength to do your will today.”

I once performed an experiment, of sorts. I took note of the days I began with prayer and devotion and the days that (for whatever reason) I didn’t. What I discovered was that the days without prayer were, frankly speaking, a mess. I was overwhelmed with the stress of traffic, the personal politics of work, and past-due bills. The days that started with prayer confronted the same challenges, but there was a sense of peace throughout. I was conscious of the presence of God. Sometimes, I will start the day with an affirmation, like the one below:

Today
By William J. Sherman

Today is a fresh, new day
A day full of possibilities