Today is perfectly beautiful. The sun’s rays are are so clear and so bright you can see the yellow beams streaming down through the magnolias and old oaks. The sky is deep blue, cloudless, punctuated by Mr. Half Moon. He’s staying up late again, hanging high, watching the world spin on this glorious morning. I watched him till he got ready for bed and slipped behind his azure sky quilt tucking himself back in, taking a nap till the night wakes.

The birds are singing their morning thanks quietly, enjoying their repast. Even the wind chimes are soaking up the pretty day, softly pinging in the cool breeze. Only the acorn bombs and a far away barking dog are shattering the quiet of this Tuesday.

Came outside after an early supper to watch the pageant of sunset. Caught Father Sky walking the sun down the horizon. Mother Nature had brushed a magnificent backdrop curtain of mauve watercolors, her brush strokes of purple and pinks blending beautifully as twilight walked up my street. The sun was dressed in an exquisite silver lace gown, white gloves on her thin arms, a string of pearls around her neck. Father Sky was very handsome in a light gray tuxedo complete with top hat and walking cane. When the sun lay her head down, Father Sky kissed her goodnight and hurried to wake the luminious moon and the twinkling stars. The day darkened and I came in the house.

I perched in the swing most of the afternoon reading in a book of quotes. The first quote I made note of was from Mae West. “You only live once, but if you do it right once is enough.” Had to ponder on that one for a while. I think if we live life to the fullest with purpose, a single life will be enough. I think the quote encourages us to make the most of our time here on earth by savoring our meaningful moments, living our life as our authentic self.

When we add “living it right” to a life guided by our Christian faith we’re on a journey to eternal life with God in heaven. Our faith should guide our lives when we’re “doing it right.” Our reward is not mastering a single life but living life through a Christian perspective that ultimately leads us into eternity with God. Our spiritual life lasts long beyond our physical life.

It’s hard sometimes to live a life of purpose when we live in a world full of temporary pleasures. Scripture encourages us to do everything to the glory of God. We honor God through our words and actions, living in a way that reflects God’s teachings. Colossians 3:17 reads, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

God wants us to live a joyful life. “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil — this is the gift of God,” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13. God considers joy as fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Through prayer and worship we receive joy from God. “True joy results when we become aware of our connectedness to everything,” Paul Pearsall. When we are thankful, our internal joy can sustain us when life becomes difficult. Walking close with God gives us a spiritual foundation and when we pray often and share our worries with God we find peace which leads to joy.

God will never forsake us and will always hear our cries and answer our prayers. Let God carry you when you’re wounded. Let God lift you up with the beauty of his creation when you’re sad. Let God hold your hand when you’re afraid. Let God put a smile back on your face with his grace. Be grateful to God for the blessing of another day on this glorious planet.

“We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.” — Maya Angelou