Each day is a gift. At 73, I take no day for granted. I view each and every day as a new start.
No day is a routine. Not at my age. Each day is a fresh start sustained by God's faithfulness. I have several colleagues my age who are already with the Lord. That's why I need to recognize God's hand in my daily life. No day of mine is ever to be taken for granted.
Today I got in 8 miles.
It was the first day in 2026 that I was able to run outdoors. I do NOT take that for granted.
Just like when I was growing up in Hawaii. Literally, not a day went by when I did not consciously thank God for the beauty all around me, be it the beautiful sunrise over the Mokulua Islands or the sunset over the Koolua Range. The Bible emphasizes that each new day is a gift from God. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.
I cannot thank the Lord enough for the chance to get outdoors again today. I really can't. Running outdoors is a vital, restorative agent for both mental and physical health. It reduces cortisol, lowers blood pressure, and boosts mood by increasing serotonin. The outdoors has the power to transform us into the best version of ourselves.
Thank you, Lord.