I’ve enjoyed the many first days of school shared on Facebook and Instagram this week—shots of well-scrubbed students, a front door in the background, holding signs proclaiming their year—pre-K, senior, or beyond. Some displayed their placards with excitement, others with all the joy of a hostage holding a front page (I’m alive, but durned if I’m happy). Either way, parents persevere, posing progeny to preserve the moment … by whatever means necessary. We will not forget. We will not lose this day in all the days to come. We stack our stones at the riverside. We were here. Remember.
No pictures were taken on the front porch of the Westmoreland home this year. It’s been a long while, in fact, since our semi-cooperative boys stood before the door and smiled (more or less) for the camera. I miss the mess and joy of it all. I want to stack some stones, too. But what first can I celebrate? I guess I could take a selfie on the porch with a sign saying “Monday” or snap a picture of my first email of the day or my first meeting of the week. Or maybe I can share a shot of the brand-new spot on my face that’s making me nervous. Want to see it?
Somewhere along the way the first becomes simply the next, and day one of school becomes month seven. So, what do we celebrate while we’re waiting for the next stacked-stones-ebenezer-photo-worthy moment?
Well, my friends, today is the first day of the rest of the week—not to be confused with yesterday, whatever the similarities. This morning, your cat purred or your dog danced waiting for breakfast or your neighbor waved or your kids made it to the bus on time or you survived the carpool line or some clouds ambled by during your commute or a bird sang—firsts of the day, every one of them, and gifts. Today, you even have an opportunity to be the first person to smile at someone who has yet to see a smile today. Take a picture of the moment; share it; I want to see it.
I know. I know. You’ve heard this preacher-talk before (“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice …”). But I’m betting I’m the first to share that word with you today, and I’m proud. Maybe I’ll stack some stones. We were here together. Remember.
In Christ,
Mark