One Day

When I was a child, my grandmother taught children's classes at church. Because of this, she always had lots of stories and music to explore. I remember one day, I found an illustrated song which she had put away from days gone by. It featured beautiful illustrations from an old hymn called “One Day.” I pored over the pictures – beautiful, poignant depictions of Jesus, both suffering and dying and triumphant over death. I cried over the image of the crown of thorns. Even at that young age, I knew there was something so special and tender about that one day.

In recent years, Christian artists have adapted the hymn into more modern versions. I like those versions, but there will never be a version more precious than that original hymn and the powerful images I associate with it.

Just a few years later, I would start a journey, around the same time I started my journey with Jesus: a mental health journey. And it requires taking medication. I have struggled with this need over the years, wanting to be free from it. This is what God has worked out for me though, his method of healing for the time being, along with the grace and strength that he provides.

I once wrote a letter to someone talking about this need in my life. I talked about the box I carried my medications in at the time. This necessary box is the gift God has given me to live this life. One day, though, as in that precious old hymn, I will let go of that box and take Jesus' hand, never to need it again as I leave this earth. Because of that sacred day, when Jesus arose, I can look forward to that time, as we all can, when the sin and weakness of this earth will be no more.

Dear Jesus, Thank you. Thank you for that one day, when you made it possible for us to live with you forever. Thank you that because of that one day, we can live for you, one day at a time.

Throughout this Day: Think of one day in your life that changed your life with Jesus. What is something in your life that will finally change when you live forever with Him?

Here are the lyrics to One Day: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/987