Day one, we all have experienced the joy, fear or pain of this moment. I think back to many of my beginnings, it was only with day one that next steps followed. I know, seems logical and almost simplistic. But if I didn’t take the step toward the upcoming day, I would not be sitting here typing, married, five children the list goes on! I know you can relate. Right now you are likely thinking about that day one you walked into a first day of school, camp, work, marriage, loss, new babe in arms, an opening act on stage, new home, post-surgery, break-up, graduation,

It all begins with day one.

We are only given today. We don’t know what tomorrow brings. This is not a recipe for doing nothing because we are unaware of our tomorrow. It actually is an invitation to make this day something great, beautiful and moving in a forward trajectory. 

The Lord has done it this very day;
    let us rejoice today and be glad.

(Psalm 118:24)

Looking back on a few of my day ones stir up a myriad of emotions. After driving across the great expanse of this gorgeous Canadian landscape from B.C to Ontario with my family back in the 80’s I knew it meant at new school, new friends and a new corner store to frequent for candy. I will say when we finally saw our new home, we found out the store was within walking distance. Yes, I had a passion for sour keys, Fun Dip, Big League Chew and licorice.  We made many trips there and a day one trip there was great. Heading into grade 6 was scary. Almost more so than my entry into grade 9. I knew no one. My younger brother was at a different school as were my older sisters. I don’t recall if I rode my bike or walked that day, but I do remember my dress. If you know me I have a slight obsession with dresses (well clothing in general). I remember buying the dress with my mom. It was layered with three bright and bold colours of blue, pink and yellow (Not sure if I was acutely aware of colour coordination yet!). It had a matching jacket, I felt ready for day one. Bell rang, we all lined up, names called and off I went into day one of the first day of making friends I still have to this very day that I treasure beyond words. It wasn’t the dress that made that day work a bit better, but it helped. It was somehow knowing that I would get through this day and hoping for a better second day. One day at a time. It was a good grade 6 year, because of the friends I made and well yes the candy at the corner store was a nice addition.

Even at a young age our kids can understand that we will always have a day one. As mothers (and fathers) we can equip them (like the dress!) for that moment. But my mom did not walk into school with me. I tiptoed in to my new classroom and seating chart with what I knew from my own personal experiences to that point. Imagine the thoughts swirling through the heads of all the grade 6 students?! All of the unique God-given families and scenarios that make us so beautifully unique. Teachers would not be able to manage the whirlpool of thoughts if spoken out loud.

 What I likely did not consider was the amount of prayer that went into that day one from my parents (and prayer groups they had). I was covered in a blanket of prayer, all of my siblings were all the time because that is what my parents did and modeled for us. This is just one day one. To account for all my days ones would be slightly insane. This illustrates to me the importance of the leadup to a day one and the prayer, preparation, patience, persistence and planning.

Day two becomes a time to reflect on the happenings of day one. The good, bad and well ugly. We all know what each one of those words means to your heart. From there plowing forward making a way for day three. 

Day one is a gift we are given that acts as a highway toward an unfolding of a plan crafted by our creator. Resting in the sovereign ways of our Lord allows us to start our engines, press the gas and get into gear for the unknown. Even though we have maps on our phone and a voice telling us exactly how many miles, minutes and reroutes, what is not taken into account are the others on that same road heading into their own day one. Somehow, you converge onto the same highways and may even collide, miss an exit, run a light. But you have planned to execute the entry with fuel in the tank, air in the tires and washer fluid to take away the unfortunate remains of all the bugs. We did our part and now we rest in the fact that God knows, so here it goes held by him! We rest in the truth that he knows our day one long before we do. Planning for your own day one is an example to your family. Give it to him in prayer first.

Music for today!

Here Goes  Bebo Norman

 

Psalm 139:1-18

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

Enjoy the beautiful collection of hymns with Kellie Haddock. Her tone is rich and calming that perfectly accompanies hymns we should all remember!

Kellie Haddock Music