I drew back the curtains in my sunroom this morning and felt my whole being smile. There’s something amazing about the power of the morning sun. I know some of you aren’t morning people, but even my son (definitely not a lover of mornings) brightens a bit when the sun first brushes his face on the way to school.

Drawing back the curtains brings in the promises of a new day. As the wise teacher in Anne of Green Gables says, “Each day is fresh and clean, with no mistakes in it.” Some of you are thinking, ‘Sure, no mistakes yet!” Stop that!!

There’s a reason God continually exhorts us to reign in our thoughts and consciously think about that which is good, right and pure. We’re to fill our thoughts with His promises. When negative lies threaten to darken our day, we’re to open the curtain of our mind to God’s promises and let their light chase away the shadows.

Today is going to bring many opportunities to discipline my thoughts and keep the curtain of my mind open to God’s Word, Spirit, strength and hope.

I will blow it, but I’m not going to focus on it. I’m painfully aware of my faults and how easy it is for sin to blossom. I’m also blissfully free from discouragement because I know I’m forgiven–already completely forgiven—even before the day begins! When I sin today, I will consciously keep the curtain open and confess the darkness immediately, letting the Spirit wash away the guilt with the light of Jesus and empower me to move on.

Every time I draw back the curtains in my sunroom it’s a reminder to draw back the curtains of my mind and commit the new day to God’s control and guidance. It’s exciting to take a moment and think about the day through God’s eyes—anticipating the joy of watching Him work.

Find a window in your home where can open up to the light of day and smile as the Son washes your soul with His morning light!

May the words John the Baptist’s dad, Zechariah, spoke about Jesus encourage you today!

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.