Making It a Good Day

The sunny California girl finds herself in rainy Seattle; the Georgia peach in knee-deep snow; the country boy in a big city; the homebody in a foreign land.

We join the military expecting to see the world and experience adventures, but some days it’s simply not the life we want. We find ourselves hating the heat, or the traffic, or the culture, or the schools.

Resentment easily moves in. When we see ourselves as the military’s pawns, it’s a short hop onto the victim bus. The lack of control whips up a bitterness storm that can stay for days.

The thing is, before you know it, days become months, and months become years. A lifetime of unhappiness ruins our relationships, our legacy with our kids, and even our own health.

So, what are you supposed to do? Just fake it? Pretend this duty station isn’t miserable? No, the Lord sees your heart and knows your pain. Acknowledge the sacrifice this is for you. But then, acknowledge the Lord’s perfect plan. He sees you in the military. He knows your steps. He has made this place and this day.

This day belongs to the LORD!
Let’s celebrate and be glad today.
Psalm 118:24 (CEV)

Then pause for a moment to look for the good God has sent. It may be snowing, but the creativity it took to make all those flakes is amazing. It may be a tiny home, but your family is together. It may be really hard, but you and your kids are growing in the Lord and in endurance.

And if nothing else, we can rejoice today because God sent Jesus to save us from eternal darkness and fill our days with his love and presence.

PRAY

Lord God Almighty, this day in this place is a hard one. But you are always good. Thank you for your gifts, and help us stay focused on you. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What are seven things you thank God for today?

Apply: Gratitude has been proven to improve a person’s physical and mental health. And it will absolutely change the atmosphere of your home. Start a gratitude list on a poster board hung where you all can see it, and encourage everyone to add to it. Or search the internet for many creative ways to display your gratitude.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day.

Psalm 100:4-5

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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This devotional was written by Tonia Gutting for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website. www.myherosquad.org. We hope that it serves as a blessing to you and your family.