Most days when we wake up in the morning, even those of us who need a cup of coffee before we can open our eyes, we want to feel positive about what’s ahead. A new day. A new beginning. A new adventure. A new challenge. A new opportunity. We have no idea what awaits us. What surprises will we encounter? What delights will there be? What odd coincidences will happen? Who knows? A day should begin with a sense of hopeful expectation. Even in the midst of “the blues,” waking up in the morning still pretty much beats the alternative!
If your devotions include reading a psalm each morning, what happens when you come to Psalm 51? You start your day with, “Have mercy on me. . .” When you just get up, you haven’t even had a chance to do something wrong! It’s not exactly starting your day on the sunny side!
One commentary suggests that instead of, “Have mercy on me, O God,” a more accurate translation would be, “Grace me, O God.” I like that much better. In fact, I could see starting every day with “Grace me!” Grace me with the beauty of nature, an encounter with a friend, a delicious meal, a chance to do a good turn for someone, a great run, a good day at work. Grace me! Bring it on! It has a sense of positive expectation as well as adventure and mystery. Grace me!
Then, think about ending the day reflecting on how you have been graced that day. Where was the grace? Was there a lot or a little? Were you left stunned by grace? Did you miss the grace that day? What was that about? How are we graced each and every day? What a beautiful way to end a day. Perhaps this is something you might try as part of your daily spiritual discipline. Start the day with the affirmation, “Grace me!” and then end the day looking for the fulfillment.
Prayer
We live each and every day by grace. But often it’s easier to grouse than to look for grace. May we seek grace, expect grace, and trust grace to shape our days. And may we abound with gratitude for the presence of grace in our lives and in the world. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 