A Priceless Treasure
Read Romans 12:9-16
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
-Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
I met Marian at a writing conference. We both had wanted a roommate, and those in charge of the conference put us together. A friendship developed, and we have stayed in touch for 20 years. Marian and I have offered each other a shoulder to cry on and talked about our happiness, hopes, and dreams.
For birthdays, we select special gifts for each other. One year for my birthday, Marian gave me a bracelet with a charm shaped like a box. I have worn it for many years. Recently, on one of those days when everything was going wrong, I noticed the box on the bracelet, and it dawned on me that maybe it opened. I discovered that it did. Inside was a rolled-up piece of paper. With a pair of tweezers, I took the paper out, and, with much anticipation, opened it. I read, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
That message had been hidden away for 10 years, but it came to light at a time when I needed to hear its words. They reminded me that each new day is a gift and a reason for rejoicing. Putting a smile on my face, I thanked God for the day and for Marian, who conveyed a message of joy.
Pat Stackhouse (Indiana, USA)
Thank you, God, for the gift of each new day and for friends who remind us of your grace. Amen.
Every day look for reasons to rejoice.
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