Not every day is memorable. We have stretches of time that drag. There are times when I have to talk myself out of self-pity by thinking of what I have to be thankful for — simple things like a card or message, an unexpected phone call, an ice-cream treat, or opening the Bible. God is present. The same things that give me a lift can do the same for someone else. Turn around and be the giver!

More accustomed to being the giver? Receiving sometimes feels like failure, an end to usefulness. But care and comfort is a two-way street. I must learn to receive with grace. These are the days to feel the peace Jesus left for us (John 14:27).