I grew up thinking that Mondays were like getting a fresh start. Now I don’t even know what day it is.  One of my biggest issues with our six month incarceration is a lack of memory on who I am, where I am, what am I going to do next and what time it is.  I know I’m not alone in this.

If you are in the work force you have an edge.  You’re generally on a prescribed schedule.  You look forward to the weekends.  The days on either side of those weekends,, often get lost when you’re retired.  Having a schedule keeps us grounded.  It helps define what we’re going to do with each day.  If you work from home, you must discipline yourself to a whole new set of rules in order stay on top of it.

When you’re old, time is taking you one day closer to death.  Isn’t something to look forward to?  I guess when you know you’re life won’t really end in death, but life eternal in Paradise, it isn’t such a bad thought.  Still, while we are inhabitants of planet earth, we need to have a plan.

God has already made a blueprint which includes all the elements surrounding our days.  He knows what’s best for us and provides for us.  Yet he wants us to have order each day.  He wants us to succeed in our goals. He wants us to prosper.  He also wants us to depend on Him for achieving those things.

So, because of that relationship, it’s good for us to plan  I’ve compiled a to do list that might accompany the list of planned events.  I’m sure you can think of others to add to it.

• Find time to listen to someone.  Get to know them and show them that you’re interested in them.
• Look for the best in others, even if you don’t always agree.  Try to understand why someone cut you off on the highway, rather than assuming he’s a jerk.
• Share something – a good book, a funny joke,  smile, your time.
• Tell someone why you love Jesus and how much He loves the world.
• Turn over the tough stuff to God.
• Spend time reading God’s message to you through His Word.
• Put others needs before your own.
• Remember that God is with you.  When things get really difficult, He will be there to carry you.
• Do your best, know that you can do even better, try, don’t give up.
• Pray.

It’s Monday.  The start of a new week can be filled with great joy and optimism or filled with depression and fatalism, depending on your mindset.  I think God wants us to find joy in the little things.  Let’s start today.