This morning I heard my dad share an interesting insight. At creation, God labeled the inauguration of time this way.
And there was evening, and there was morning--the first day. And there was evening, and there was morning--the second day. And there was evening, and there was morning--the third day.
In God's view, at least at creation, the day started in the evening and then continued through the morning. Or, as my dad put it, the day starts with rest, not coffee!
What if we went into the evening with this mindset, that the previous day is finished and we have the opportunity to start again? Would we value our families more? Our recreation more? Our rest more?
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dude, I love this thought! All this time I've thought I was the weird one for my nocturnal approach to life - ha! Your dad is a gift to so many - I'm blessed by him (and his philly pastor son)!
Posted by: Chilly | May 04, 2010 at 05:27 PM
Jews traditionally count a day's beginning at sundown. That's why the creation story is written the way it is. Nothing groundbreaking or special there.
Posted by: Grays | May 04, 2010 at 06:39 PM
Beginning each morning with a positive attitude can change the perspective of every person you encounter. This is a great way to start each day "serenely"
Posted by: Mdavisus | May 04, 2010 at 06:59 PM
"Jews traditionally count a day's beginning at sundown. That's why the creation story is written the way it is. Nothing groundbreaking or special there."
Hmm... But aren't the Jews' customs based on their belief in God and His commandments? Thus, there would be more to Jewish custom - and thus more to this article - than you may realize. :)
Posted by: Ransomed by Fire | May 09, 2010 at 11:21 PM
This is ridiculous.
Posted by: lulz | May 12, 2010 at 02:56 AM
Hey Brad-great stuff! I actually used this thought last week in Sunday School, we kicked off our summer series "A Summer In The Life of Philippians 4:8". This opened up a good chance to talk about what we take in before we fall asleep will determine how we wake up! Thanks for posting, and tell your dad thanks!
Posted by: Nicknelson_24 | May 12, 2010 at 12:06 PM