Beginning Right

I long for its aroma every morning. The fresh ground, dark roasted nuttiness that filters through the house. It almost feels like a cartoon odor, that ghost-like cloud of aroma that stealthily finds my nostrils and with its caffeine-power lifts me up each morning. It's coffee, man. I may be addicted, but it gives me just the right kick to start my day. And I'm not alone. Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, McDonald's, even Family Express and Speedway have made their mark in jolting America every morning. They are attempting to help people start right each day.

At least that's the goal, starting right. But just maybe the best way to begin is not with a caffeine injection, rather a right attitude that can really make for a better beginning?
A few years ago a friend gave me this pocket labyrinth. I carry it every day and like any labyrinth (a tool for prayer)you follow the path in, spend time with God and then prepare to come out again to face the world. When i run my finger over it is to remind me that coming out well demands my going in well. Which is exactly what we need to do every day.

While Jeremiah was speaking God's judgment and doom to Judah, he also held out hope for them that if they were to begin well daily, then their lives would be spared. While they would still be sent/taken into exile to Babylon, it didn't mean that they should stop trying to live rightly and the best way to begin each day is with a sense of justice.

Start each day by dealing with justice. Rescue victimes from their exploiters.

It's a good bet (although we shouldn't) that few of us wake up every day with this thought, "I need to rescue someone from their injustice today." That sounds more like what Superman or Captain America might do. But it was God's word to Judah and is God's word to us. It is a reminder that God cares not only how we live our lives, but how we respond with the character God wants to develop in us. God has a great sense of justice and has called for his people to respond in the same way. Justice matters to God and it should to us!

It's a way to begin looking at the day differently, much like we see differently after our first cup of coffee because remember, this life is not "all about me" anyway. It's about God and if we begin like God does, we are well on our way to the right destination!

Enter well...every day.

Peace ><>
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