“However many years anyone may live,
    let them enjoy them all.” ~Ecclesiastes 11:8

As I was running the other day, I was shocked by life. As the springtime leaves were beginning to sprout, the birds were starting to chirp, and my heart was pumping fresh oxygen throughout my body, I paused to realize–Life is a gift. I was surprised by this joy.

I take for granted that I got to wake up today; that I got to enjoy today.

Why are we surprised by death but not life?

As this virus kills thousands of people, we seem surprised by death. Partly because our medical practices have tried to insulate us from the reality of death. The sick and elderly are hidden from our daily view in hospitals, hospice centers, and long term care facilities. Up until the turn of the 20th century, many families would have 12 children in the hopes that three or four would make it to adulthood. Childbirth was a deadly and risky endeavor; death and grief was a regular part of people’s lives. In the past, this actually created an emotional resiliency when confronted with death. For us, however, we have become shocked by death, instead of surprised by life.

This makes us take life for granted, without marveling at its gifts.

We do not know how many days God has ordained us to live, but we should enjoy each and every one.

Trust God & Enjoy Today

What if each and every morning, I was surprised by life. What if I viewed the day not as an obstacle to overcome but an opportunity to enjoy? How would my attitude change?