I may have shared this story before on my blog. If so forgive me, I have written enough blogs now that I can’t remember them all. When I was little and would say things like, “I can’t wait for Christmas” or “Only a few more days until school is out.” My mother would always tell me not to wish my life away.

I think what she was saying was not to live waiting on the next big thing. Each day is a gift and holds something to be treasured and savored. We can’t live from event to event. There are many more ordinary days than there are special occasions. We wish our life away if we are continually looking for something other than what is happening today.

Stop today and take notice of the ordinary. Think about what is happening right now that you would miss if it were gone. Find God in the every day of your life. Connect with people. Do good for others and do something good for yourself. Delight in the mundane.

If you think there is nothing to celebrate at this stage of your life, think about all the people in the hospitals, prisons, battlefields and desperate situations that would gladly switch lives with you today. Be grateful and show that gratitude by living each day to the fullest and not wishing your life away.

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) (KJV)