Coach John Wooden used to say, “Make each day your masterpiece.” I read that statement recently, and it got me thinking.
When you’re a kid, you’re asked from time to time, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” If you’re like me, your answer to that question changed from year to year, but it always included big dreams. You wanted to do something great—something honorable and noble…or at least noteworthy.
If I asked you today, “What is your greatest life goal?” or even “What is your next big goal?” your answers would probably include a plan or an event—something you want to do to make a difference for the cause of Christ.
But if I asked you, “How are you going to make today great?” could you answer?
I have been thinking a lot about the everyday—what we sometimes call mundane. All of us have repetitive duties, and most of us don’t have particularly glamorous moments scheduled each day into our planners.
This means that if we live only for the big events—if we think we can only make a difference doing the “great things”—much of our time is spent in empty duties.
But we know that’s not true. Today is where God has placed me, and He wants me to glorify Him here—in this moment.
So how can we make today—every day, and the everyday—a masterpiece?
Sketch it with Scripture
Begin the day letting God speak to your heart through His Word.
If you’re a pastor or Bible teacher, this does not mean sermon preparation or lesson study time. This means letting Scripture infuse your mind, correct your thinking, and direct your steps.
For the Word of God to impact you personally, you must encounter it regularly. This takes time, and it is time well spent.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…—Colossians 3:16
Color it with gratitude
We have a terrible tendency toward ungratefulness, especially in what we consider the everyday, mundane aspects of life.
If you want to transform your day, if you want to make it a masterpiece, it is as simple as two words: give thanks.
Give thanks to God for His many blessings. And give thanks to others whom God has used to bless you. Purposefully giving thanks will transform the canvas of your day.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.—1 Thessalonians 5:18
Frame it with prayer
To think that we have unrestricted access to the very throne of grace is staggering. Use that access.
Begin your day with prayer. End your day with prayer. And make prayer the ongoing conversation with God that frames your day.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:16
Pray without ceasing.—1 Thessalonians 5:17
Too often, we’re so focused on making the next “big event” a masterpiece that we miss seizing today and using it for the glory of God.
(This is one of the reasons that I developed the Stewarding Life Planner—to create a tool that would encourage leaders to incorporate all three of these actions—time in God’s Word, gratitude, and prayer—into their daily routines.)
Today is God’s gift to you. Draw it for His glory.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.—1 Corinthians 10:31
