When I was a child the corner store sold surprise packages that promised to deliver more value for your money along with the excitement of not knowing what’s inside but trusting it will be good. I don’t remember ever being disappointed. When I became the manager of a corner store I enjoyed creating surprise packages and watching the faces of those who opened them. It was a great way to sell the last few items in a box and they always sold out.

As you read the Bible and examine your own past you may discover that our natural love of surprises is inherited from our Father. He prepares a new mystery package for each one of us every day. With a gentle knock at the door of our hearts, He delivers the gift he calls Today. He doesn’t ask us to pay for it. He knows the value of it is much more than we could ever afford. He invites us to open it slowly enough to enjoy all that He has packed into each twenty-four-hour bag. You can’t trade packages with anyone. What’s inside was prepared just for you and no one else will receive exactly the same surprises that your package holds. 

However, the first thing that goes into the gift is the same for each of us: a Lifesaver named Jesus. “Taste and see that ADONAI [the Lord] is good. How blessed are those who take refuge in him.” Cover yourself with him as your twenty-four-hour gift unfolds before you: “No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.” What a great and mysterious gift we are given!

“I will bless ADONAI at all times his praise will always be in my mouth. When I boast, it will be about ADONAI”  Open your mystery gift of Today with excited anticipation. “Proclaim with me the greatness of ADONAI; let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34)