It is quiet, It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. It’s a brand new day.
In only moments the day will arrive. Night will persist with the rising of the sun, there is no stopping it. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The present calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The early morning feeling of calmness will be invaded by decisions, deadlines and unexpected events.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. So I must make a choice. Because God gave me free will. I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose Love
No occasions justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose Joy
I will invite my God in my circumstances. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less that human beings created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose Peace
I will live forgiven. I will always forgive so that I may love.
I choose Patience
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long. I will thank God for the moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments. I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose Kindness
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich for they are afraid. I will be kind to the unkind for such is how God has treated me. Treat others as I would want to be treated.
I choose Goodness
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose Faithfulness
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My loved ones will not questions my love. My children will never fear that I will not be there for them.
I choose Gentleness
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it only be in praise. If I clench my fist, may if only be in prayer. If I make a demand, may if only be of myself.
I choose Self-Control
I am a spiritual being… After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His Grace. And then, when this day is done, I will give all to God place my head on my pillow and rest. And again tomorrow I will do the same.