It’s quiet.  It’s early.  For the next 12 hours I’ll be exposed to the day’s demands.  It’s now that I must make a choice.  And so I choose—love. I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy.

I choose peace. I will live forgiven.

I choose patience—Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I’ll thank God for a moment to pray.

I choose kindness—for that’s how God has treated me.

I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness.  Today I’ll keep my promises. My wife will not question my love.

I choose gentleness.  If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control.  I will be impassioned only by my faith and influenced only by God.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When this day is done, I’ll place my head on my pillow and rest.

From When God Whispers Your Name