Or is there?

This morning I awoke to my alarm blaring an “oldies” song. I glanced at my watch, rolled over and hit the snooze bar — as I do every day.

After my shower, I padded to the kitchen where I pulled out an apple and almond butter. I sliced the apple and smeared butter on each piece — as I do every day.

In my car, I tapped the seat warmer button three times. I prayed Ephesians 6:13. I pulled out of my driveway and glanced back to ensure I had closed the garage — as I do every day.

On my way to work, I thanked God for the beauty of the water as I drove over the Narrows — as I do every day.

I parked my car, walked the 124 steps to my office, said hello to my coworker, turned on my computer, and sat down to read emails — as I do every day.

At 10:00 a.m. I gathered the office correspondence, my empty mug, and an Earle Grey tea bag and walked to the mailroom, where I checked the boxes and filled my cup with hot water — as I do every day.

At noon, I drank my smoothie, pulled my coat under my chin and stole a 20-minute nap — as I do every day.

On my drive home, I listened to the Christian station’s radio drama and stopped to check the mailbox — as I do every day.

At home, I chased my granddaughter around the livingroom, coloured a page in my book while watching an episode of Downton Abbey, and crawled into bed spent — as I do every day.

Nothing is new under the sun.

Or is it?

Even though my routine may feel like nothing is new, God’s mercies are new (Lamentations 3:22) every day.

It’s God’s mercy that I woke up today.

It’s God’s mercy that I can taste my apple, feel the heat of my seat warmer, see the lovely water, and hear the voice of my coworker.

It’s God’s mercy that I can pray openly, read my Bible, and listen to Christian radio.

It’s God’s mercy that I have a job, a loving family, and a home to relax in.

With God’s mercy every day is new.

(First featured on Medium platform December 9, 2020)