Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide. Instead of staring into the day that is ahead of you, attempting to program it according to your will, be attentive to Me and to all that I have prepared for you. Thank Me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift. Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense My Presence or not. A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from My perspective.

A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side.

This is the day the Lord acted;
we will rejoice and celebrate in it! – Psalm 118:24 (CEB)

I am grateful for people who whistle.

I am grateful for TWO birthday cards from Delores – they made me cry happy tears on Friday.

I am grateful for birthday Facebook messages from Cindy and Lisa.

I am grateful for a wonderful surprise from Sam on Friday evening when I got home. We spent the evening on the Plaza, and he made me feel so very special.

I am grateful for my sister who invited us to go bowling with them on Saturday evening and gave me a chocolate cake in the parking lot afterwards.

I am grateful for another wonderful birthday surprise from Shirley and Rob that arrived in the mail – Olivia books and toy, and Cheezits and peanut butter M&M’s. Shirley knows me too well… And, I can now start my Olivia collection again. Yay!

I am grateful for a birthday song from the choir that appeared on my Facebook page.

I am grateful for an email from Mandrae on Saturday night.

I am grateful that we were able to take a long walk on Saturday and again on Sunday.

I am grateful for a beautiful Saturday morning breakfast at Chaz.

I am grateful for really skilled waiters who take the time to care and know their menu very well. A waiter can make or break a meal.

I am grateful for a birthday text message from Michelle.

I am grateful for birthday emails from Geri, Terry, Rhonda, Bonnie, and Erin.

I am grateful for memories of eating at Alfredo’s with Melissa Lewis for our birthdays and celebrating January birthdays with the CBA lunch ladies.

I am grateful for the treat of having Rachel and Angela sing “Happy Birthday” to me at the bowling alley.

I am grateful for time to have an iced tea at McDonald’s with Lynn and Susan.

I am grateful for a hug from Lisa at church yesterday morning.

I am grateful for a surprise phone call from Barb on Saturday and so glad she and Merlin were able to attend Resurrection Downtown and celebrate their pastor’s birthday in Kansas City with friends.

I am grateful for Sam, who is thoughtful to walk on the street side to protect me, because that’s what a gentleman does.

I am grateful that I was able to go to the doctor with Anissa to get her cast off one year ago today.

I am grateful that AT&T lowered the monthly cell phone bill by $50.

I am grateful for Jack Stack Crown Prime Rib. I’m sure it will be at the banquet table in Heaven.

I am grateful for a beautiful view of the Plaza and grateful for the stillness of the night to enjoy it all alone from the 7th floor.

I am grateful that I work with friends who are the best employers in the world, both of whom made me feel very loved this morning.

And I am grateful for friends who remembered my birthday and took the time to reach out and wish me a nice day on Saturday. Each day is full of surprises and I love how my devotion this morning reminded me that every day is a precious, unrepeatable gift. As I’ve been reminded many times, life is too short to live in bitterness, regret, shame, and anger. I am blessed every single day and I love how God is opening my eyes to even the smallest of blessings, moment by moment.