Daily devotional · February 29
The Gift of an Extra Day
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Today is leap day, an extra day that does not appear most years. The Preacher of Ecclesiastes has been reflecting on the emptiness of toil done alone, and here he offers a simple remedy: two are better than one. If one falls, the other lifts him up. Two keep each other warm. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. An unexpected day can be a gift to spend on relationships rather than on productivity. Instead of squeezing more tasks into it, ask whom you have been meaning to spend time with. Today, treat this day as a bonus and use part of it for someone who matters to you. Call the friend you have not spoken with, visit a relative, or invite a neighbor to eat. Ask God to be the third strand in that friendship.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for this extra day. Help me spend it on the people You have given me. Amen.