GLAD
Psalm 118:24 (ESV) reads, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." While in my daily time of devotion this morning, Psalm 118:24 continuously resounded in my spirit; specifically the word, "glad." Merriam Webster defines "glad" as (adjective)--feeling joy or pleasure; delighted; pleased. From my devotion and this definition, I came up with the acronym, GLAD: Give Love All Day. Each day when I'm not away from home on business, my morning routine generally includes starting my day with devotion, transporting my son to school, exercising, then starting work. Today was one of those seemingly dreary, rainy days that made me want to put off my exercise ritual until another day. Honestly, the weather's indiscreet shadow on the day made me want to do nothing more than go home, retreat to my favorite corner on the sofa, read a good book, and then take a long nap. I had to quickly bring myself back to the day at hand, and reflect on my devotional scripture, Psalm 118:24. Again, the acronym resounded...GLAD. Since the rain was impeding upon my normal walk/jog on the outdoor trails, I decided to change up my routine and join my fellow, senior friends at Hamilton Place Mall to walk indoors. It is at Hamilton Place that I initiated my GLAD journey. I intentionally spoke to and shared Christ's love with everyone I came in contact with. Whether it was a smile, thumbs up, or kind word, I intentionally decided to Give Love All Day. Some recipients of my GLAD were at first, taken aback; while others were immediately receptive and sharing what they had just received with the next person. Upon the completion of my last lap around the mall, a Hamilton Place custodian came up to me and said, "I was here when you came in and I saw how you smiled and spoke to everybody, even me, and made all of us feel special. I also noticed how other people started doing what you were doing. I just want to say thank you, you've made my day and a lot of other people's day in here." What I learned today was that GLAD has a delightful, contagious, reciprocal effect that can change a forecast, a mood, an environment, and overall...a day. From this experience, I challenge you to put this acronym in to action with everyone you have an exchange with, today...at home, on your job, in the grocery store, at the mall, at the gym, etc. By putting this simple acronym, GLAD, into action you can't help but feel the reciprocating effect of the original word...glad! You can't Give Love All Day and it not make you glad. Try it today!