Just Another Day in Paradise

The sun is bound to shine today.
It peers in through the morning shadows.
Ah.....
It's another day in paradise.

Lord, this morning, like every morning, I wake knowing you are there.
It  doesn't take long before the reality is there as well.

"This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."
It is how I have started my days for many years.
I remember when I first started saying that verse.
It was a long, long time ago.
It was a difficult  time, filled with uncertainty.

I didn't know what the future held.
But, I knew Who held my future.
I threw my broken life on the altar, and cried out to my Father.
I'd lie in bed, and say the verse
over and over.

Did my troubles go away?
No.
But, saying the words reassured me of the truth of the Word I believed in.
Peace came in the midst of uncertainty.
That was so long ago...Sigh.
Yes.
God got me through.
His victory lived in my life and He healed every broken place.


Today is a new day.
The wound of my broken heart is still open and raw.
Everyday it's like it's new all over again - the deep laceration of hurt and separation breaks in all over again.

I hear people say it will get better -
People who have years of experience behind them.
I don't dispute what they say.
They are where they are.
They know.
From where I am....
Well,
I can't imagine that right now.

Yet, somehow I make it through each day.
Each new day.

Yes, I do rejoice.
I know that I know where Caleb is.
He's just moved beyond my life.
That's the great and hard part.
Where he's moved I can't be right now.

I do rejoice.
I know who my Father is.
I know who my Savior is.
I know He is faithful.
I know in Whom I hope.

This is the day the Lord has made.
There is a reason I'm still here.
It is for his purpose.

One of my favorite sayings is,
 "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still." ~ Corrie ten Boom
It's true.
God reaches into my brokenness and picks me up everyday.
In this broken state, he is there.
He carries me.
It is through Christ that I move, and breath and have my being.
In this I do rejoice.
It is how I make it through the day.

That's how it is here in paradise.

Carry me, Lord. On my knees I stand. You are my strength and my salvation. You are the Lord of my life. It is in You that I have hope. I rejoice in you. You give me the manna of your Word everyday. You are my light and my covering for each day. I am so thankful that you are strong. You are filled with compassion. You love me, and know my very heart. There is  nothing hidden from You. I am here, your child, open arms, and broken. Your grace is sufficient. You are more than enough.
Abba Father, I love you, and because of your son I come.
In Jesus I hide.
Amen.

Steve Camp sings, "Carry Me."