"A Blessed Day"

 

“A Blessed Day”

 

Shortly after getting up most mornings I repeat the words of Psalm 118:24 in my mind: “This is the day the Lord has made; let (me) rejoice and be glad in it.” I then pray briefly for the commitments and plans for the day as well as immediate needs of family and friends. I also ask the Lord to prepare me for the “unknowns” that might come my way and give wisdom as He’s promised (“…The Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”—Proverbs 2:6, NLT). I’ve seen this prayer answered often, sometimes in extraordinary ways.

A few days ago I had two morning appointments. The first was a PSA blood test to prepare for a regular check-up with the oncologist who oversaw my prostate radiation in 2024. The lab technician had a picture of Jesus as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5) in her work station and we had a brief but meaningful conversation concerning needs in her life. (An added blessing was that my PSA level was 0.05!) From the clinic I joined a friend for breakfast at a local eatery. As we prepared to thank God for the food and our time together he asked our server if she had needs we could pray about. Her response was that she was trusting Jesus to bring her through some difficult circumstances which prompted a short conversation about her relationship with God. (An added bonus: my “guest” insisted on picking up the check!) Then as we were fellowshipping around eggs and pancakes a group of fourteen men arrived for their weekly time together and they began with a round of prayer. We later spoke with them for about ten minutes about the many ways God has worked in us throughout our lives. Since these “chance meetings” (Karen calls them “God hugs”) I’ve prayed for these sixteen sisters and brothers in Christ whom I might never again see this side of Heaven.

Every day is a gift from our Heavenly Father (see James 1:17) but some stand out as special. This was one of those especially blessed days for which I’m thankful. Our backgrounds were varied but, in the words of King David, “How good and pleasant it is when (brothers and sisters) live together in unity.” (Psalm 133:1). Amen!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan