Today marks the fourth anniversary of my mother’s death.  Every year I try to honor her memory by sharing her daily devotional.

I am no stranger to the searing pain that grief brings with the loss of someone you love dearly.  Through it all I have remained thankful to a God that has carried me on days I didn’t think I could walk, held me when I didn’t think I could stand, and filled me with hope when I was empty.  I’ve walked through darkness and I know I will do it again someday.

When I have someone like my mother Earnie, who was the best example of everything I could hope to be in a wife, mother and friend, I am thankful for each day I have to love as fully as I can.  Mother was a faithful servant of the Lord.  She welcome each new day in prayer, meditation and reading the Bible.  Everyday, she would recite the same devotional.  I know it would make her happy if you shared it with someone you love.

Best Day of my Life

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day
of my life, ever! There were times when I wondered if I would make it
to today; but I did! And because I did I’m going to celebrate!

Today, I’m going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had
so far; the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the
hardships because they have served to make me stronger. I will go
through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart. I will
marvel at God’s seemingly simple gifts: The morning dew, the sun, the
clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds.

Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I
will make someone smile. I’ll go out of my way to perform an unexpected
act of kindness for someone I don’t even know.

Today, I’ll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down.
I’ll tell a child how special he or she is. I’ll tell someone I love
just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don’t have and start
being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me.
I’ll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in
God and His Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed, I’ll go outside and raise my eyes
to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the
moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures. As the day
ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for
the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented
child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be
the best day of my life ever!