Monday Blessings

Daily Gratitude Year 6- Day 113: Today, I am grateful for a Monday blessing.

Nothing like a blessing to start the week off right. 

"May God give you a burst of energy to tackle the tasks that you need to get done. May He inspire you to turn up the radio and dance in your kitchen. May He fill you with such joy that you suddenly realize just how rich you really are. May He connect you with an old friend and bless you with a new friend. And, may He use you in surprising ways to be a blessing to everyone you meet today. Have a bursting-with-joy day today. -Susan Larson

Some days we simply need to remember we are covered in God's goodness daily. It is in the simple things. 

Bursts of energy... like the kind we have on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons.

Radio... free music with no downloads required or monthly fees. What a concept! Of course, many of our Christian radio stations are listener funded, so don't forget about them when considering where you will tithe this month.  

The ability to dance with joy... not necessarily grace or expertise. What you wear is between you and God. 

"And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod." - 2 Samuel 6:14 

This is a priceless word picture of David. His garment, more like a diaper or underwear, allowed him freedom to move in His dance. He put aside his royal robes and was dancing in delight in the presence of God and the Ark of the Covenant to music. Perhaps it was something he had written. He wasn't dancing naked before the Lord, but it was close. David was expressing his love, delight and humility before God, because he knew God was good. 

When we choose joy, suddenly our vision clears. We see more blessings than trials. We can find the blessings in the trials as they sharpen us for what comes next. This world isn't going to be a cake walk... or even a cookie exchange. No, it is a training ground and a mission field. We are called to go... to love... to make disciples and to seek His heart above our own agendas and desires. 

Who knew it could be an adventure? The answer: The one who chooses joy. To be thankful in ALL circumstances. 

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Connect with old friends. There is something about old friends. I have been blessed over my lifetime with some of the most precious friends. And, in the past 10 years, I have been given some amazing new friends. Both are precious and add joy to every day. On the days I want to be done with social media and never return, I am reminded that I have reconnected with some childhood favorites and made some amazing new friends. Like anything, it is how we use it or abuse it. 

If Monday seems hard to face, make a decision to seek out and be an unexpected blessing to another soul. It can be as simple as sharing a cup of coffee, a story or a prayer. 

Have a joy filled day. 

One of my favorite quotes of all time embraces choosing joy:

Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Love like you've never been hurt.
Live each day as if it were your last. 

See you are blessed and be a blessing. 

Today, I am grateful for a Monday blessing.