Monday, March 31

Let the Day Begin

Rev. Tim Travers

Reading

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

Reflection

Michael Been is one of my all-time favorite musicians. He played guitar and sang lead vocals for the band The Call. I was first introduced to them in 1985 by a close friend in college. People in Oklahoma often take a special interest in Been’s music because he was born in Oklahoma City. Although he later lived in California when The Call was formed, his ties to Oklahoma remained. One song from their 1986 album Reconciled is even titled “Oklahoma” (no, not the one from the musical).

Sadly, Been died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 2010 at the age of 60 while at a music festival in Belgium. At the time, he was working as the sound technician for his son’s band. I’ve always admired his wide vocal range, the way he could bellow and still sound melodic, and his ability to deliver deep, thought-provoking lyrics with haunting clarity. His songs often explore relationships, social issues, and existential questions, with an undercurrent of urgency and action.

Decades later, I still listen to The Call regularly. Their compilation album The Best of the Call remains a go-to for motivation when I’m on the treadmill, elliptical, or working the weight machines.

One of their most popular songs is “Let the Day Begin,” also the title of their 1989 album. That song came to mind while listening to Pastor Mark’s message, when he quoted ministry strategist Craig Finnestad:

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, turns scarcity into abundance, turns greed into generosity, and turns envy into solidarity.”

“Let the Day Begin” reminds me to give thanks for the blessings I have. Gratitude helps me hold onto joy, even when life feels difficult or painful. For me, the message is simple: there is so much to celebrate! God is a God of abundance, and I can trust that there will always be enough of what brings true peace, love, and joy.

God provides blessings from above. My role is to be generous and keep my heart soft toward the needs of others. One way I practice generosity is by praying for others to be blessed. That kind of prayer changes me—it makes me more joyful, peaceful, and loving.

So… let the day begin. Let it start. This is the day the Lord has made!

Lyrics from “Let the Day Begin” by The Call
Here’s to the babies in a brand new world
Here’s to the beauty of the stars
Here’s to the travelers on the open road
Here’s to the dreamers in the bars

Here’s to the teachers in the crowded rooms
Here’s to the workers in the fields
Here’s to the preachers of the sacred words
Here’s to the drivers at the wheel

Here’s to you, my little loves, with blessings from above
Now let the day begin… let the day begin.

Prayer
Loving God, you give us so many blessings.
Some we notice.
Many go unseen.
Help us grow in peace, love, and joy.
Let our day begin with gratitude. Amen.