Extra! Extra!

Today is February 29, 2012. It’s been four years since we had this “extra” day. Leap year as we call it. This is a day that holds “extra” meaning for me. On this date in 1896, my grandfather was born. He was also a twin. The two of them were “extra” special in many ways.

This past weekend, I had “extra” time with my granddaughter, Joy. I explained to her that we were getting an “extra” day this year. That February usually has 28 days, but this year, and, every four years, February has 29 days.

After the conversation, I realized that her preschool teachers probably had big plans to celebrate the day and learn about its significance. I could hear her words when asked what she learned at school that day. “Nothing that I didn’t already know.” Sorry Miss Sandy and Miss Lisa. Oh the life of a pre-schooler (in need of being in Kindergarten)!

We all have this “extra” day. I guess the question that’s begging to be asked is, “What are you going to do with this ‘extra’ day?” Will it be like any other day? Will you celebrate the day? Or will you look for “extra” ways to live a Godly life? Here are a few ideas:

• Read an “extra” chapter (or two or three) in the Bible
• Spend an “extra” 15 minutes (or half hour) with God
• Love on your family a little “extra”
• Share your Jesus story with someone
• Volunteer at a local food bank or shelter
• Catch up on unfinished projects
• Try something new and unexpected
• Renew an old friendship
• Write a poem

2 Peter 1:5-8 from the New International Reader’s Version says, “So you should try very hard to add goodness to your faith. To goodness, add knowledge. To knowledge, add the ability to control yourselves. To the ability to control yourselves, add the strength to keep going. To the strength to keep going, add godliness. To godliness, add kindness to believers. And to kindness to believers, add love. You should possess more and more of those good points. They will make you useful and fruitful as you get to know our Lord Jesus Christ better.” 

More and more of these good characteristics. “Extra.” This is how we should view this “extra” day. When we try very hard to add these qualities to our lives. And the purpose? To be useful and fruitful on this “extra” day.

Don’t let this “extra” day go to waste. Use it for good. God’s good. I know it is “nothing that you didn’t already know!”

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna