Have you seen all the pictures of kids getting ready for a new school year lately?  They all look excited with their fresh haircuts, new clothes, and new school paraphernalia.  The last year is gone, and after a quick summer break, they are ready for a new adventure in a new grade.

I vaguely remember those days.  It was exciting to start a new grade.  It felt like I was having a fresh start.

Birthdays give me that same feeling.  I think about how quickly the last year passed and what I did or could have done, and I think about what I want to do with the next year that God has given to me.  It feels like I again have a fresh start.

Honestly, every day should feel like that.  Every day that we greet is another opportunity to live, to love, to strive for more, and to become more of the person God made us to be.  Every new day is a new opportunity because God allows us more time to accomplish more if we choose to embrace the new day with a renewed vigor.

One of the main reasons that we can have this kind of outlook is because of God’s amazing mercy.  We are not perfect, but God loves us and gives us another opportunity to be right and live right.  Lamentations 3:22-23 states: “Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”

His mercy and faithfulness truly are great!

We do not deserve anything from God, but He gives us everything.  We do not deserve His patience, presence, power, or love.  We do not deserve more time to live out the plan He has for us.  We do not deserve to be forgiven.  We do not deserve to be saved.  However, you woke up this morning with another day – a new day because His mercy and faithfulness are real.

I challenge you to make the most of this day that God has given to you.  Ask Him to help you recognize what you could do to honor Him and to make the most of what lies ahead.  Ask Him to help you make something special out of this day.

And if you are feeling really excited about it, take a picture and share it.  It is your special day too.

You may want to start each day focusing on how to truly make it great. Check out the following devotional for your journey…