|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Brighten The Corner Where You Are"1 (Lyrics) |
Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (NIV)
As we traversed through the beginnings of agility class, one of the things that my dogs learned was the command to mark. The instructor used an overturned, flat-bottomed, rubber feed bowl for this exercise. Before running the course, the dogs must learn to put their two front feet on the bowl and to stand and wait patiently for the next command. The mark helps the dogs to focus on the course ahead and on the instructions of their handlers. Agility courses are great fun for dogs, but without concentration, obedience, and direct connection with their masters, they cannot be run successfully.
At the end of the course, there is another spot where the dog once again marks, at which time, they enjoy the satisfaction of appropriate praise and direction from their masters and a well-deserved rest.
This morning when I went down to feed the horses and the goats, I found myself laughing, as well as remembering the importance of the command to mark, as Agnes, the goat, was patiently waiting for her hay, with her two front feet planted atop an overturned feed bowl. A coincidence, perhaps? No, I believe that it was a God moment — God's way of reminding me of the importance of starting and finishing my day on the mark as well.
In many ways, each of our days is an agility course. We never know just what lies ahead. It is, therefore, most important to mark the beginning of the day by taking a few moments to wait patiently upon the Lord in thought, in prayer, and perhaps with a Scripture reading. By so doing, we may consciously focus upon the wonder of the new day, as well as re-establish direct connection with Him Who is able to help us to run the course with both joy and success.
Likewise, at the end of our day, when our course has been run, taking time to mark its completion brings its own satisfaction. It allows us opportunity to be thankful for the presence and guidance of the Lord, to ponder our successes and, yes, perhaps, even our shortcomings of the day. It is a moment to listen and to receive praise and direction, as well as a great way to lay down one's head in peace and embrace the joy of a well-deserved rest.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that each new day is one which You have made and are more than able to competently guide us through. Remind us to mark the beginning and ending of each one with our focus upon You, that we may run with holy direction, success, and satisfaction. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Friday, December 1, 2023 – In Malawi — Pray for Presbyterian World Service and Development partners in Malawi who are helping reduce the spread of HIV infections among youth and promoting positive, healthy, sustainable living with access to life-saving treatments. Pray also for life-saving commitments to Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Cancer-Margaret: "Update November 28, 2023; Margaret says she is still quite tired but okay. She thanks us all for..." 
Upcoming Chemo treatments cancelled: "Update November 28, 2023: Yesterday both my husband "A", and I, "J" tested..." 
A great lesson Lynne.
Thanks Lynn. Enjoyed this.
(B.C.)
Another good one. Keep writing.
Blessings.
Thanks for sharing this devotional with us. May we always have our toe on the mark. Blessings.
Lynne, I always look forward to your devotionals. Thanks for listening to God and sharing with us.
(Colorado)
Good morning Lynne:
Thank you for today’s devotional. This was a lovely message.
Blessings.
Thanks Lynne
Big deadline and many frustrations that are gradually being worked out.
Our animal companions have much to teach us.
Lynne,
thanks for making it so ‘down to earth’ so that the Word is something we can easily identify with.
Wish my name were ‘Mark’, but its’ Not!
(CA)
Dear Lynne,
Glad to see you back on the mark of devotion-writing.
Thanks for the reminder to mark both ends of the day — and I add the whole day through.
Keep writing. Praying for you.
Dear Lynne,
I appreciated very much this lesson on attention and focus. I have sometimes watched dogs go through the agility challenges and marvel at how adept they are at weaving back and forth. I did not notice that it all starts with focus on the task. I agree that getting “on the mark” is a good way for us to start our tasks and the challenges that each day brings. I also like the suggestion that we are not alone as we plan our days. It is comforting to know that our heavenly father cares and has training available for us if we are diligent in taking the training. We can get an appropriate “mind-set” from scriptures and the scripture guides that are available to us including encouragement from meditations that come to us each day from this web-site. I also laughed at how the goat set an example for the dogs.
Many thanks for your contribution to helping us get a good mind-set.
Another good one Lynne!
Keep up the good writing.
Blessings.
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for your devotional, you are right, we are thankful for each and every day.
Blessings.
I have always thought Psalm 118:24 was a good way to start the day. I have heard it recited in a singsong voice, as though it were an (old saw) and we had progressed past such notions. When something is “good”, it is good!