Psalm 118:24

In my mind’s eye I see the sidewalk outside my third grade classroom. Twenty or so macaroni picture frames are laid out in a line. It wasn’t the elbow macaroni, that would have been SO 1980's. This was 1990's and we used seashell pasta. Cause we were modern. And sophisticated.


They were spray-painted a metallic gold that made me feel rich and hurt my eyes. I liked it. The golden seashells were glued to a square made of popsicle sticks and green yarn was attached for hanging on the Christmas tree.


Pop a third grade picture of me in the middle — awful haircut, crooked teeth, striped sweater — and you’ve got one fine Christmas ornament.

I got to help my cousins with their x-mas tree and my little cousin had an homemade ornament that she made in school.That would remind me of my elementary school years. Of the safety of childhood. Of the security of being nine. {I also needed an excuse to spray-paint macaroni.}


Do you know I mean? That childhood feeling, “If I could just go back to when I spray-painted macaroni, my life would be SO much easier.” For most of us, elementary school was an easier time — no bills, no worries about changing the oil or washing clothes. I didn’t wonder if or when I would marry.


My biggest worry in Third grade was not breaking any pieces of macaroni on the bus ride home.


Tough life.


And sometimes, I’ll be honest, I would give anything to go back {minus the poodle haircut because y’all have NEVER seen a thing like it — plain awful}. I want to feel the comfort and safety of life as a kiddo. In my heart, I don’t really mean that, but there are days I wish my deepest concern involved pretty pasta, not the size of my bank account.


I’m reminded of one of those scriptures that gets plastered on every object {probably even ornaments}:


Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”


I need to remember how true this verse is. TODAY is the day the Lord has made. Today I’m an adult. Today I can be thankful for the cares I have for it means I’m alive. Today I get to rejoice and be glad.


Christmastime brings a sense of nostalgia, allowing us to reminisce about times {bad haircuts} gone by. And I hope and pray, now that Christmas has passed, you’ll take a minute and be glad for today. Whatever your today looks like.


Rejoice in today. Fondly remember yesterday. And spray-paint macaroni whenever you get the chance.