“Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:2)

Every day means even today—perhaps especially today—when the toilet is clogged, the roof is leaking, the internet has crashed, or the bank account is depleted. Every day means that today I will look for opportunities to bless God, regardless that the rent is overdue, the in-laws have moved in, the job has been lost, or my child has moved far away.

            Even on a day like today, I will choose to praise him as I consider his blessings that are beyond measure. The Lord provides more oxygen than I can draw into my lungs and more beauty in one flowering plant than anyone should ever see. He gives us contagious laughter even as socially distanced friends, discernment and wisdom through a parent’s insight, and obvious delight mirrored in our grandchildren’s eyes—all of them gifts unearned and totally undeserved.

            Today amidst the maddening pace, the wilted places, and the unexpected turns, I will look for the Lord to show up. I will keep my ears tuned for the sound of his voice even when a thundering crisis is looming overhead, or I am waiting for a word from within the confines of an ICU holding zone.

            Today I will bless the name of Jesus because my knees can bend, my fingers can grasp, and my mind, at this particular moment, has the ability to recall memories vividly. Jesus will hear me blessing his name whenever I choose thankfulness over ingratitude, and when I slip inside the shoes of another traveler rather than shove them off the path as I force my way along.

            I will gift the Lord with blessings as I wait patiently for his answer to my pleas, and I will not grumble at his apparent indifference, mindful that his best work is done out of sight. I will slow my pace for a moment this day and consider his goodness, remember his faithfulness, celebrate his kindness, bask in his forgiveness, and rest in the grace he furnishes for free.

            The Lord of heaven and earth invites me to give him a blessing even today, especially today. Tomorrow I am allowed to do the same. Perhaps forever will be time enough to put all this into practice.

            “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).