Tuesday, September 22, 2015

It's my day and I don't plan to waste it


The first thing I do each morning is open my curtains on the patio. I can't wait to see what the light looks like as it shines across my building. Part of that love is from being a photographer. I've learned that the best times to take photos are early in the am or just before dusk.

The other part of my love for that morning light is what it means about my day. A new beginning, Another chance to accomplish what I'd planned. Another day to correct the mistakes I made yesterday. Another day to enjoy. Another day to live.

Another reminder that I'm alive. 

And who doesn't want to wake up and see the sun?

I didn't always feel that way. I have had my share of dark moments where I rolled back over and groaned, wishing I didn't have to get out of bed and face the day. I'm trying now to live in the moment that God has given me. He doesn't promise us more than today. So today is here and I have a choice--how best to use it.

That gives me excitement. Anything can happen today. Something could change the course of my life with a phone call, an email, a letter. Yesterday I booked a trip to Seattle to see my family. It's been three years since I last went. Now I rise with thoughts of how much fun I'm going to have then. Later today, I might get an encouraging email from a reader of my book. Maybe I'll have the opportunity to congratulate someone on their day. Maybe I'll be able to lift my friend who's feeling down now. Maybe I'll step on that scale and finally see the number I have been shooting for!

What I do know is this day won't be wasted. Not a moment. Not a thought. Not an action.

It's God's gift  to me and I plan to open it. 

Hope your day is just as sweet!


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Each day is a gift. Thank you for the reminder. A photography teacher taught me photography is all about the light. It isn't that what God is too? The One who lights our daily path? May He paint beauty of light patterns on your path today.

Lillian Robinson said...

When I got up and saw the beautiful day that He made for us, I started singing the old song...This is the day that the Lord hath made. I did rejoice and I was glad in it! You're right--it's a gift.

Great Grandma Lin said...

good thought, i'm thankful after cataract surgery to live in this day and age with all it's medical advancement and treatments....

Saleslady371 said...

I love your attitude about facing a new day at dawn. I enjoyed the photography tip too. Bless you as you bless others when the opportunities come!

Susan said...

Hi Terri: I'm always grateful to have another day, too. Hope your tomorrow is wonderful. Susan

Kenda Turner said...

What an uplifting post, Terri--thank you! It actually ties in to my morning :-) I've battled a stomach virus for over ten days. This morning I purposely got out of bed before dawn so I could watch the sun rise. Not exactly a FL scene, but as good a reminder that God is ever faithful! It was altogether worth it. Enjoy your trip to Seattle. Now that's something to celebrate!

Karen Lange said...

It's true, each day is a gift! Thanks for the reminder. :

Nicola said...

A lovely post, Terri. Thank you for sharing!

Ceil said...

Hi Terri! I come downstairs in the morning and open my curtains too. I'm not a photographer, I just like light in the house! I have a three season porch, but it's getting too cold to open that up in the morning anymore. :(

What a gift that reader gave you by sending you that email! Just a little thing like that can just light you up too, can't it? And you are so right, every day is a gift, every day is important. We sometimes will never know what we did to impact someone else, but the opportunities are there. I hope you had a wonderful day of adventures and love today, and tomorrow too!
Blessings,
Ceil

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri - Yes! Even if my day doesn't start off well, it doesn't mean I have to let circumstances ruin the whole thing. A friend and I would often play, "The Gratitude Game." We'd see who could come up with the longest list of all the blessings in our lives.

This evening I got a special blessing: After weeks of horrible Internet access, I've been able to work online for several hours without too much trouble. It's nice being able to visit and comment. :)

The Happy Whisk said...

Wonderful not to waste moments and what a great way to wake, each day.