At the risk of sounding like a holy roller, with all my recent talk of spirituality and religion, I have to say … “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad.” And what a day it is! Later on this evening I will attend an event to honor my lovely Aunt and Uncle for their volunteer efforts and commitment to community and a good friend has just gotten the wonderful news that she is cancer free.

My aunt and uncle have volunteered time helping the Salvation Army for as long as I can remember. When my sweet Mama was alive, she and my aunt, her sister whom we lovingly call “Auntie”, gave their time helping at the Salvation Army’s soup kitchen, cooking and serving. During the holidays my Mama would help with interviewing families to see what their needs were and what the children would like most for Christmas. Auntie and her handsome hubby, Uncle Steve, would and still do spend long days and nights through the holiday season counting the money donated through the kettle program.

Auntie is 83 and Uncle Steve is 93. I repeat – 83 and 93! And they are still helping; still giving of themselves for the sake of others. I can only hope to live a life of charity like they have. They make the world a better place.

My good friend Sue got the word today that she is cancer free! Having gotten the opposite of words more times than any one person should have to hear them, it was a hip-hip-hooray-cocktails-and-cake-are-in-order moment when she shared the news. You can read more about it, in her own words, on her fabulous blog.

So the first thing that came to mind when I realized what a wonderful day it was were the words that my Mama and Auntie used to sing, “this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad.” Every day really is a gift, but I am especially grateful for days like these; days filled with positive news that should be shared and shouted out for the world (or at least just the readers of this blog) to hear.

Although today is a joy-filled one for me, there are many people out there who are suffering and struggling; perhaps through the harsh news of a cancer diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one, or the loss of a job with worries of providing for their family. The good news is that we can help others. By each of us doing our small part we can make a big difference. Maybe you have time, maybe you have financial resources, whatever it is that you have to give, pick a cause and go for it. You’ll be filled with joy when you do!