“This is the Day the Lord Has Made” by Jen Norton. Acrylic on canvas; 24 x 30″; $3600 SOLD
A dictionary definition of “glad” states a Germanic origin, meaning “bright” or “joyous”, along with synonyms like “gratefulness” and “thankfulness”. Do you wake up each morning believing this really IS the day the Lord has made? Are you “joyous” in it? If you understand who Jesus is and desire the life He promises to those who follow Him, your day can never look the same. You cease to move unconsciously from one event to the next and you begin to cultivate gratitude. (In truth, my “attitude of gratitude” kicks in once the coffee is poured. Thank you Jesus for coffee!).
That person that cuts you off in traffic becomes an opportunity to practice patience… and be thankful for recognition of patience needed. An unruly co-worker might be an invitation to offer a listening ear and compassion…and gratefulness for peace in your own life. I have spoken with people who’ve gone through unbearable, crippling loss, and come out still proclaiming “God is great”. I’m amazed and grateful for their example. Consistent gratitude creates a glad heart.
A grateful heart is capable of Holy Work.
Finding gratitude can be hard at first, especially if you feel nothing goes your way. It is a practice, not always a “perfect”. Sometimes you have to be grateful just for the ability to forgive yourself. A grateful heart is a heart that begins to slow down, notice the details… and begins to see a pattern in the chaos of life that is deeper than any single moment. A grateful heart begins to know Jesus, his plan for creation, and his plan for us as part of that creation. A grateful heart is capable of Holy Work.
The traditional Catholic dinner blessing is a good prayer to say anytime, in thankfulness. Try it slowly, calling to mind even the smallest thing you might be grateful for today:
Bless us, Oh Lord, and these, Thy gifts
which we are about to receive from Thy bounty,
through Christ, our Lord.
Yes, this IS the day the Lord has made. Let us Rejoice and Be Glad in it!
Amen
