by Steven L. Blanchard

This day is a special gift from God.

There are many who saw yesterday's sunset

yet have not seen today's sunrise. But I

have been given another day of opportunity;

a day to learn and grow.

Today I will sift through the experiences

of past days. I will store up knowledge and

wisdom as treasures, and discard hatred and

jealousies as trash to be burned. I will turn

to God in times of joy as well as in times of

sorrow.

Today I will laugh and play with children, love

and assist the elderly, heed the advice of the

righteous.

I will smell the roses even though I may suffer

the pricks of thorns. I will strive for the

mountain tops, overcoming steep cliffs and loose

boulders each step of the way; but always feeling

the wind of God's love blowing in my face.

Today I will arm myself against emotions which

tend to destroy. I will replace anger with love,

sadness with joy, hurt with pity. I will counsel

when counsel is needed; but be silent when someone

speaks; always praying for guidance from the Lord.

I will be firm when firmness is called for. I will

weep with those who weep and laugh with those who

laugh. I will fear no person; for God has given me

this day and no man can take it away without His

prior approval.

And if God is willing that I see tomorrow's sunrise,

I will have even more treasures to store... treasures

where moth and rust do not destroy and no thief can

steal.