On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
—Psalm 118:24
On this and every day, the Lord is acting. Even when things in our lives are less than we would want them to be. Even when we are confused or lacking focus. Even when our spiritual lives feel dry and deflated. Even then the Lord is acting and acting mightily.
The night passes, the dawn presses over the horizon and the sun lights up the sky. The air surrounds us with life-giving oxygen. The water flows in the rivers and streams. The trees wave in the wind. The flowers are either being prepared deep in dark soil or are beginning to unfurl in the warmth of the day.
Our heart beats steadily. Our eyes blink, our fingers and toes move. Our brain thinks and our heart feels emotions. We have the capacity for love and hope deep in our souls.
We are able to rejoice and be glad in heaven's actions when we simply stop to bring our attention to the present moment, to give our awareness to the wonder around us, to notice the beat of our heart and the breath flowing through us.
There is no way—even on a day that seems unworthy of merriment—to keep our soul from swelling with gladness when we stop long enough to feel the presence of the Holy One all around us.
Gracious God, open me to your handiwork and fill me with joy.
