“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 ESV).
A perfect day. We had one. Perfect days are rare on this fallen earth, like gems sprinkled throughout our lives, one sparkling here, another there, golden moments, little foretastes of heaven—come, Lord Jesus! These days are worth noting. They are gifts.
What makes a perfect day?
We hosted a graduation party for the baby of our large multi-generational family. Kith and kin mobilized. A beehive of workers erected a tent in the backyard, hauled in tables and chairs, gathered supplies, retrieved flowers and balloons, prepared and plated food. A shard-eyed older sister caught the misspelling on the cake and redecorated. When guests arrived, everyone transformed into hospitable greeters. All carried out their roles. We did not cease being human for the twenty-four-hour period. Irritations still occurred; but we worked together as a unit to perform a labor of love.
At the end of the day, all were exhausted; but the afterglow proved the best part of the festivities. Laughing and relaxed, we let the mess sit and watched the graduate open her gifts. Then we moved to the fire pit and devoured carryout pizza, lounging by the fire long into the night, enjoying one another’s company. We grabbed the moment and savored it.
What made that day so wonderful? As we dissected the day by firelight, I thanked the Lord for:
- The beautiful weather (God’s part). We prayed. A forecast of rain changed to perfect climactic delight. If he had let it rain, I was prepared to praise him and keep it all under the tent. I had predetermined to be happy either way. He sent sunshine. Thank you, Lord.
- The food stretched (God’s part, a loaves-and-fishes-type gift). As the avalanche of guests began, I prayed for him to multiply the food. The One who made wine at the wedding (another family party) cared about our family as well and stretched our twenty-first-century foodstuffs.
- We got along with one another (God’s grace)—always a miracle when sinners work together. My husband and I are the heartiest, tough-nut sinners of the bunch. By God’s grace alone, we applied our Christianity, letting go of annoyances.
- Difficulties were overcome (God’s grace). See above.
- Many guests came (God’s prompting), thus blessing and encouraging our graduating daughter. The love and generosity shown to her was God’s gift.
- Our adult children were awesome, amazing, stellar, and helpful (God’s gift from the moment of the conception of each one to this very day).
- The equally amazing extended family and friends who helped (God’s gift).
- We all love each other (God’s grace). God is the source of love. Our family is a walking miracle. Every batch of loving sinners is. Our loving friends compounded the blessing.
In other words, the Lord did it, and I recognized his hand. I saw with spiritual eyes. It was all God’s grace: the spiritual growth to believe Romans 8:28 as evidenced in the circumstances and the enablement to rely on Christ for right, kind, and loving reactions. We were merely the recipients of his grace. Again. When we don’t walk in his grace and don’t see clearly, it isn’t so lovely. When we do, it is, no matter the climate, the obstacles, the shortages, or the misspelling of the graduate’s name.
“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose” (Philippians 2:1-2 NLT)
Have any perfect days lately?
It was sweet to be a small part of the event with you all! So delightful that you and your family were able to enjoy such special time together! There is no end to God’s riches! How graciously He blesses us, His dearly loved children; joint heirs with Christ!! WOW!
It is so true! He blesses us richly! I’m glad you could come. 🙂
What a blessing! I savored with you the delight of this “perfect day” (O what a foretaste of glory divine!) and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was in it from start to finish! Grace! This was a trip I had looked forward to, prayed for, and determined that I would savor and enjoy every moment. Delighting to listen and see and hug and experience and tuck these precious moments into my memory, writing these gifts of love in my 1000 Gifts list! Who was it said “Precious and few are the times I spend with you”? Precious and few are these perfect days, and God gave us one perfect day to whet our appetites for Heaven! Thank you, Lord!
So true, Momma. Amen.
I have had days like that when God’s grace is so apparent to all. Wen they happen within my family of 5 boys and a daughter (half of them adult now) it still feels wondrous. And I KNOW such harmony is the gift and graces of God. The closing scripture–LOVE those verses. Will use them for table graces tomorrow. thank you Melinda!
When the beautiful harmony results, it must be acknowledged with gratitude. Getting everyone going the same direction in a large family is momentous and miraculous! All of us kept saying to one another, “This is a perfect day!” Thank you, Jesus.
it does sound like a really lovely day. i love it when God gives a loaves-and-fishes type gift!
thanks for sharing your perfect day. mine are usually ones with all my kiddos around and very little “officially” planned – just hanging together!
Isn’t it a blessing to be chased by God’s mercy! When those days show up and we’re surrounded by our families, enjoying their smiling faces and receiving unexpected gifts of grace, the days are miraculous!