Today has just been one of those days where everything is a bit off and unexpected.  A phone call early this morning reminded me of a big lunch meeting today that I had forgotten to put on my schedule that would consume a large part of the day.  The next phone call was from the school nurse who needed us to come pick up our daughter because she had pink eye.  A few other hiccups along the way and the day was well off track.  But you know what, it has been a great day!

Somewhere along the way in my years of ministry I have learned that the minor troubles we face day to day should be embraced.  As the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons make lemonade.  Even in some really tough times you can squeeze some good out of life.

Today I got to squeeze (hug) our oldest daughter a few extra times…I just made sure to wash my hands afterward.  Our lunch meeting today was a great time of encouragement and inspiration with a great group of fellow ministers.  It’s mid-afternoon and I am just sitting down to do some of my work for the day, but its OK if I don’t finish since it will still be there tomorrow.

Too many people get bent out of shape too easily.  Back when I watched the news, it seemed that almost weekly there was someone senselessly killed over a misunderstanding or a petty argument.  With all this construction around it is not unusual to see someone at the end of their fuse, cursing and waving fists because they gut cutoff.  At the store people are cussing at the workers or their kids because things just aren’t going their way.

There are a lot of people I know who are dealing with serious issues – battling cancer, marital issues, issues with children, recovering from surgery, etc.  So many of them keep pushing through the pain and the turmoil to live giving and loving lives focused on others.  We can be inspired by their choices and actions and be encouraged to give life a squeeze when things aren’t going as we had planned.

Wherever you find yourself today, take a moment to give thanks for all the blessings, whether big or small.  Squeeze your eyes shut and take a moment to thank God for His blessings.  This week in our Dinnertime Devotionals we are starting with a series about Joseph >>> Dinnertime Devotionals 12