This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10b

Seventy-eight-year-old Bill Fulton of Baker City, Oregon, can remember the good, old days.

Actually, right now, Fulton finds it a bit easier to remember those days. That's because Melanie Trindle, the secretary of Baker Middle School, recently returned the wallet Fulton lost -- in 1946.

Fulton's wallet, along with other assorted items that had disappeared over the years, was discovered when workers detached gymnasium bleachers from the wall of the old school. Those bleachers had been there since 1936. Fulton's wallet found its way behind them about ten years later.

Inside the mini-time capsule, Fulton found the address where he had lived as a teen, his Social Security card, his bicycle card, and a hodgepodge of other items designed to jolt a man's memory.

Now the amazing thing is this: the return of Fulton's wallet has made a difference for the man. But rather than focusing on what is inside his wallet, Fulton has been thinking about his life, his time in the Korean War, his military service in Berlin, and the years he spent working at a local lumber yard.

Fulton summarized his feelings this way: "Where did all the time go? It's hard to believe that the times have gone so fast."

I agree. And I also agree with the texts of today's devotion. This day, every day, is a gift from God. Each day can be used or abused; it can be squandered or appreciated. As far as the Lord is concerned: He prefers we rejoice and be glad for the time He has given us.

Not only does the Lord want it, He has done something to assure it. This takes us to the second passage of Scripture. Jesus came into this world to seek and save the lost and to bring light to those in darkness. He lived, died, and rose to save us from our sins, to assure us of eternal life, and to give us an abundant life.

With all those blessings coming together in this today, we just might be able to rejoice and be glad in it.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You gave Your days so that my days might be blessed, my life be abundant, and my eternity a joy. For Your sacrifice, this day, every day, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Amos 7-9    Galatians 2

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