August? How is this even possible? It seems like yesterday I was shedding tears over final projects being due and scrambling around town buying gifts for year-end parties. How is it that the time to buy school supplies and set alarm clocks is just around the corner?

My dad was a junior high school teacher for more than 30 years; long enough to see his brother, dozens of cousins, all three of his own daughters, and many, many second generation students pass through his class. One thing that former students often remember about this staple of TJHS is his emphasis on attitude. He took time out of teaching history and government to teach the importance of a positive attitude. And even now at age 70 when he blesses the food at a family dinner, he recites the verse above and adds… “and let us live with an attitude of gratitude.”

It’s easy for “busy moms” as we like to call ourselves to get caught up in the negativity that surrounds different seasons and stages. We complain about the end of the school year because it’s too busy, we complain about summer because it’s too long and the kids get on our nerves, we complain about the new school year because school supplies are expensive and we don’t like getting up early; weekdays are too stressful, and weekends are too full of activity.

Let’s stop for a minute and look at God’s Word. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Which day? This day.

Every. single. day.

God made this day and purposed for you and me to be alive on it, and our response to that should be excitement, anticipation, and joy…not complaints and excuses. Because if we are alive, God is with us and in us. He is rejoicing over us, and relishes in our enjoyment of his creation. Look around! What a wonder this world is. What a wonder my children are. What a wonder the seasons of the year are, in all of their busyness.

And what about the days that don’t seem so wonderful? What then? Do we slap on a fake smile and pretend to rejoice? Absolutely not. God cannot be fooled (and most of the time our families can’t either, right?). But starting today, when I’m having one of those days, I’m going to recite this verse in my head and remember that God did make this day, and that He has promised never to leave me nor forsake me. He is walking with me through the tough stuff, and he will redeem it in his time for my good and His glory. And maybe…just maybe…my soul will crack a smile, even if my face doesn’t.

So as summer winds down and the kids are going nutty, let’s remember to take my dad’s advice and live with an attitude of gratitude. Let’s enjoy each day that the Lord has made. Maybe we can get a little nutty alongside those crazy kids, or take them out for a long walk to appreciate the beauty around us. Whatever we do, let’s not write this day (or any day) off and blame it on being a “busy mom”. We were made for so much more.

xo, Elly

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24