Each day when we awaken, we face a new beginning. If the day on the calendar is a 1, then that day is a new month. If it is January 1, then it is the beginning of a new year. 2020 is the start of a new decade.

Each beginning comes with an opportunity to make a difference, either positively or negatively.

The birth of a child is a new beginning in a very special way. In 2019, I was blessed with the arrival of four great-grandchildren. Each birth brings special joy, as well as opportunity for the parents. Even grandparents and great-grandparents are made to feel special.

While the arrival of each baby is unique, God has designed life so that each of us has a new day every day that we are alive.

One of my friends in the place where I live has seen many new days. He is closer to 100 than 90. While I am almost a decade younger than he is, he puts me to shame on many days.

If I meet him leaving his room for breakfast, he sometimes confides that it has been difficult to get up. But when he arrives at the breakfast area, he is so cheerful that you wouldn't think that he had an ache in his body.

Mike often says, "Good morning! Isn't this a beautiful day!"

A couple of years ago, he lost his wife of 70 years. He clearly faces physical challenges. He could have a negative outlook, but he reminds me of a familiar Bible verse:

Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (NKJV)

Mike has chosen to be positive, and that positivity blesses others.

You and I are given a new day, every day. Some of us will have more days and some fewer. But every one of us faces the challenge of being a positive influence with everyone every day. The longer I live, the more I realize the difference that each one of us can make with other individuals.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for the opportunity to serve You for another day in another month, another year, and another decade. Help each of us to be sensitive to others, and to share the love of Jesus in all that we do. In His name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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