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

“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11 (NKJV)

Every new day that arrives is a blessing.  It is a new beginning and a new start.  Each new day is an opportunity to serve, help, bless, encourage, and comfort others. With each dawning, God provides a chance for us to correct wrongs and glorify His holy name. All of are give opportunities to serve the Body of Christ.  Age is not a factor.

In youth, we live mostly in the moment, appreciating events as they come along minute by minute. There is a joy in a freshly baked cookie, a bike ride with a friend, the challenge of climbing a tree, and the loving embrace of a parent. A new bit of knowledge to ponder, a secret shared with a sibling, a new talent discovered will keep a child happy and content, for the most part. Preserving such innocence should be a parent’s priority. Each child blesses others with their innocence, genuine love, and affection. 

Sadly, many in our generation have cast off the elderly as obsolete, not recognizing their importance and value to society.  They do not see or understand the wealth of wisdom they hold, obtained through their many life experiences. Thus, there are many depressed folks in their golden years.  They want to feel useful and respected, but many of us have failed them. The Bible encourages us to learn from the wise, and many of the wise are our elders. 

 Job 12:12 (NKJV) states, “Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding.”  Every generation has known to honor those who have earned their gray hair. However, knowing and doing are two different things. It requires patience to sit at the feet of the aged.  They move slower and our youths move quicker and quicker with each passing generation. The fruit of knowledge is just waiting to be picked off the tree, but many of us would rather starve or remain fools. “They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.” Psalm 92:14 (NKJV)

Feeling needed, respected, and of use cultivates joy. The quote, “It is better to give than to receive” is so rich with truth.  First, the challenge of giving back in just the right way stimulates the brain and encourages thinking. Calling upon the Holy Spirit to guide us connects us with the Deity. Our brain busy thinking, connected to our compassionate heart and its desire to serve, calls upon the spiritual in the hopes of blessing another. God is thus honored by our desire to love another, and by our request for His guidance and help in doing so.

 This is the day the Lord has made, a new and lovely beginning full of opportunities. You have a choice today and every day.  Will you decide to waste your 24 hours with idleness or by fulfilling selfish desires? Or, will you reach out to another and make their day a bit nicer. Which would increase your treasure in heaven?  Which would make you happier and help transform you into the image of Christ? Are you not thankful for this new day and the chance God has given you to serve?

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31 (NKJV)

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV)