Last Day

So here we are, on the last day of another year, and everyone is abuzz over what to do. We have to find just the right activity or party to attend (or host) with just the right people, because it's the last night of the year and it has to be special. Of course, one could argue the same for the following day; it's the first day of the new year, and we should find just the right party and just the right people to celebrate with, right? But what if, instead of celebrating because it's the last day or the first day of the year, we lived our days as if each one were our last? Maybe it's the last day we will see our friends or family members, or maybe it is the last day we will walk this earth. Not to be morbid, and expect to die any minute, but we do not know the number of our days, or those of our loved ones. What would the world be like if, instead of waiting for the big party at the end of the year, we chose to live and love everyday, as it if were the last? Not that we have to have a party every day, but more of an attitude of celebration.  Maybe we wouldn't argue over petty differences or worry about tomorrow. Maybe we would be more forgiving and giving. Maybe we would laugh more, cry more, shake off our lethargy and engage more with those around us. Maybe we would see that everyday we have been given is a gift from God, not to be squandered or just something to endure, but to celebrate. I think this is why I have always felt a bit unenthusiastic about New Year's Eve as compared with other people, or maybe just not more enthusiastic about New Year's Eve than most other days. It's not that I don't like parties or celebrating, but it seems all the other days of the year that God has graciously given me are getting left out. Any day can be a last day or a first day, and worthy of note and a raised glass of wine. And setting aside certain days of the year to celebrate is a good thing.  So I may be having some people over tonight to please those in my house who feel a need to make this day different, and that's OK. And I will probably raise a toast. But most days, I end with a glass of wine anyway, in thanks for another day of life. Lord, help me to appreciate all the days you give me, each and every one, as they come, as if each one were to be my last. I wish you all a Happy New Year, filled with days in which you can see God's grace and mercy and provision; each and every day.