The Daily Gift
Read Colossians 3:12-17
It is God's gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.
-Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NRSV)
A local senior-citizens' center held a New Year's Eve "sock-hop" dance complete with decorations, food, and a jukebox. The "hoppers" were mostly in their 70s and 80s. One of the dancers was less than graceful in his movements to the music, but he danced with all his heart while sporting a huge smile. When asked why he danced with such gusto, he replied that he did not know how many more days he would have to dance, laugh, and enjoy himself -- certainly not as many as he had already experienced. He intended to make the most of every day he had.
As I listened to the man's reply, I realized that none of us, regardless of our age, knows how many days we have left. The Bible tells us that while we are here our time is to be spent making disciples for Jesus Christ and being his witnesses, loving one another, praising God in all ways possible, laughing, living in peace, and doing good.
How many days have I wasted in complaining, demanding my own way, withholding love and goodness? How many hours have gone by while I wallowed in self-pity, plotted revenge, or pushed others aside to be in first place? I cannot go back and retrieve those lost days and hours, but I can make the most of this day and every day that I have from now on.
Brenda E. Shreve (West Virginia, USA)
Giver of Life, help us to live each day to glorify you. Amen.
God wants us to enjoy life.
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People in their 70s and 80s
