This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:24

If that was the lesson for Monday but I didn’t open it until Tuesday, did I miss it?

It’s so great when we run on time. Better even if we get there early and are already settled in our seats. We’ve shed our heavy coats, arranged our belongings, perhaps even taken a moment to look over the agenda or schedule of events or bulletin. It’s so comforting to know what’s coming and be prepared. And then to hear, the Lord made this day.

But what if we don’t tune in until tomorrow? If I wait “until I have time” or “there’s an opening in my schedule” or “to give it my full attention”? All valid. All reasonable. All late.

I have a friend Stevie who once sent me a devotional writing she had read which made her think of me. She said, “This came for you today.” I smiled and read it right then. Because Stevie has a sense of the immediate need and a faith that serves in real time.

Occasionally, following Stevie’s example, I share a writing or an idea or write a note or make a phone call with the prompting, “this came for ____ today.” There is power in that which does not come from me.

But every now and then I get a reply: “Out of office” or “I look forward to reading your note tomorrow,” and I wonder whether it was a one day offer. Does God’s power have an expiration date? Is it a limited, one time offer?

Because there are many, many things in my pantry or cupboard or my closet which have long expired. What have I missed for not having welcomed them in their day?

No sense worrying. Whatever was, is now past. But it does prompt me to clean out those crevices so I can give today it’s due. I don’t want to miss it again. Because if this is the day the Lord has made, there’s joy.