Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With JesusSample

The Best - or Worst - Day

My best day was his worst day.

That's all I could think of after hearing my oldest son recite a paper from his writing assignment. The topic was about his "worst" day. He had chosen the day my family went into New York City to celebrate my birthday a few years earlier.

When asked what I would like to do for my birthday that year, I replied that any day we are able to spend together is my favorite kind of day. And a day in the City? Any time spent there is a treat for me. So, the family planned a jam-packed day: a morning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, an afternoon in Central Park, and an evening at Citi Field, rooting for the Mets. It was one of my favorites, one of my best days.

You can imagine my surprise when a couple of years later I heard for the first time just how much my son dislikes museums! So much so, that he classified this day as his "worst" day.

Shocked, I thought, "My best day was his worst day?" Soon, however, my thoughts turned to what truly was Someone's worst day – and yet simultaneously absolutely my best day – the day we know as Good Friday: the day the most extraordinary love was demonstrated in the most excellent way to all of humanity, despite the pain, despite the pleadings, and despite the prayers.

Jesus had already suffered in Gethsemane.

He was scourged under Pilate.

He was presented as the "Coming King." (Remember the crown of thorns?)

Placed upon His shoulders was the crossbeam, weighing up to 100 pounds.

With the blood loss He had suffered, He likely began to stagger.

While upon the cross, people scoffed at Him, saying that He ought to save Himself. They misunderstood and did not realize that it was not about the saving of Himself but rather about saving others.

Jesus died: willingly, confidently, and victoriously.

We know the rest of the story, but let us linger here for a moment. At the cross. Aware of His pain. And mindful of His followers' disappointment.

Oh, how they loved Him. And how WE love Him.

Lord, while we know what happens next, we linger here. And in the lingering, all we can do is say, "Thank you, for Your worst day truly was our best day."