Make Every Day One of Acceptance and Inclusion
You’ve probably never heard of Marlo Anderson, but you are likely familiar with his famous innovation. He was the first to officially develop the idea that each day should have some sort of special designation attached to it, so he established National Day Calendar 10 years ago this week (January 19, 2013).
Since then hundreds of designations have been established, seemingly arbitrarily to the point that there are not enough days in the year to celebrate each designation, so now there are now multiple celebrations for every day of the year.
One could argue that many of the designations (e.g. National Popcorn Day or National Sweatpants Day) are trivial and even silly, but it reminds us that we have so much to celebrate in life, particularly the simple things that we so often take for granted. For example, this Friday happens to be “National Day of Acceptance,” in which everyone is encouraged to embrace those who have a particularly difficult lot in life.
We tend to overlook or intentionally look away from those who live on the margins of society – those who are homeless, poverty stricken, or imprisoned, as well as those who face mental, physical, or emotional obstacles.
Scripture reminds us that we are to “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters” to “not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:1-3).
It can be difficult and even awkward to offer help when we’re not really sure what to do, but we can pray that the next time an opportunity arises, the Spirit will encourage, empower, and embolden us to respond in a way that would bring honor and glory to God.
Until we meet again, Be Blessed!