ALACRITY

“A cheerful readiness, willingness or briskness; sprightliness” is how I try to start each day.

When the storm clouds gather in angry puffs of grey; when the darkness envelopes our thinking and the discouragements of life weigh heavy on our hearts, being cheerful is easy to be doused like water on a candle. Can we be ignited? In our broken world, can we perceive God’s divine nature? Did you know that “the Lord is good and his faithful love endures forever; his faithfulness, through all generations”? (Psalm 100:5)

There are some days when we get “stuck in the muck”. Maybe it’s a fear, trepidation or anxiety about something in the future; maybe it’s physical or mental depression; maybe it’s distraction, doubt, bitterness, apathy or even laziness. But when we get rooted in the negative, it sucks us under and rains on the umbrella of praise and positive thinking. Those are the times when we can praise God with our entire beings and let “my mouth be filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” (Psalm 71:8)

Recently, my grandson made a gift for me. It is a macaroni flower work of art. He asked if we could hang it up. Even though it doesn’t really “go with my decor” I adore the fact that this treasure is a beautiful reminder of sharing his love. It’s not going to be hung in any art gallery and it’s probably only worth the canvas it’s on, but it represents something I treasure. God sees us that way too. Maybe our life is a little messy sometimes, but we can come to him with a joyful heart, sadness in our souls and just the way we are.

“He forgives all your iniquity; he heals all your diseases, He redeems our life from the Pit; he crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfied you with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle.” (Psalm 103:3-5)

Isn’t alacrity, the way you want to start your day?