May 15
A Day to
Celebrate
“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us be joyful today and be glad.”
Psalm 118:24, NIrV
JJ sat on the edge of his bed, the morning sunlight streaming through the window. He had just turned 50, a milestone that felt surreal. As he stared at the birthday card his daughter had slipped under the door, a wave of emotions washed over him.
“Fifty years,” he muttered, shaking his head. His life had been a rollercoaster—a childhood filled with joy, a rebellious youth, hard-won career successes, and personal losses that had left scars. Lately, he had been too focused on what hadn’t gone right.
JJ walked into the kitchen, where a small group of family and friends were already preparing for the party. His wife, Ana, beamed as she carried in a cake, the words “Happy 50th, JJ!” written in bright, cheerful letters. Balloons bobbed in the corner, and his grandson giggled, chasing after one.
“Happy Birthday, Dad!” his son called, handing him a steaming cup of coffee.
JJ smiled but felt a strange ache in his heart. How often had he overlooked these moments? He stepped outside to the porch to take a breath, the crisp air brushing his face. “Lord,” he prayed hesitantly, “I don’t know why this birthday feels so heavy. Help me see what I’m missing.”
As he stood there, the words of Psalm 118:24, which he had read earlier that morning, echoed in his mind: “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us be joyful today and be glad.”
He thought of the days behind him—the struggles, the victories, the countless ordinary moments that had shaped him. He remembered how God had guided him through every challenge: the time he lost his first job, how he’d prayed for his sick mother, and even the joy of holding his newborn daughter for the first time.
A sense of peace replaced the heaviness in his heart. “Thank You, Lord,” he whispered, a smile spreading across his face. He realized that today wasn’t just a milestone; it was a gift, another day created by God to be lived fully. He decided he wouldn’t waste it dwelling on regrets or fears for the future.
JJ stepped back into the house, now filled with laughter and love. He hugged Ana and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for making today so special,” he said warmly.
“Today is special,” she replied, smiling.
JJ looked around the room, now filled with voices and laughter, and thought, This is the day the Lord has made. I will be joyful and glad, not just for today but for every day I’ve been given.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the gift of today and for the years You have guided us through.
Like JJ, help us to pause and see Your hand in every moment—past, present, and future.
Teach us to be joyful, not just for the big milestones but also for the small blessings we often overlook.
Fill our hearts with gratitude for all You have done, for what You are doing now, and for the plans You have for us.
Help us to trust You with the days ahead and to live each day with joy and gladness, knowing that You have made it.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
