"Opening Day"

There is just something special about "Opening Day" at Turner Field as the Atlanta Braves begin a new season. For many years, I made it a point to attend the Opening Day game. There is just something unique about the experience. There is the newness of the moment and a spirit of expectancy in the air. "Opening Day" is almost a tradition with many people. It is just one of those special moments that many people enjoy attending.

I saw a Marta Bus in Atlanta just the other day and it had these words written across the body of the bus: "In Atlanta, everyday is Opening Day." I thought about those words for a few minutes. I understand the thrust of the message. Somehow, it is trying to create a spirit of expectancy and anticipation for the city of Atlanta. It is trying to convey the idea that everyday is special and full of new possibilities. Those words, "everyday is Opening Day", makes the suggestion that something new is happening everyday. It is very clear at least to me that "everyday is not Opening Day!" Much of life is spent in ordinary time and place. Birthdays do not come everyday (thank goodness), but once a year we celebrate a special day. Anniversaries do not come everyday, but once a year we pause to celebrate a special day. If "Opening Day" came everyday, it would lose it's excitement and it would no longer hold that special place of anticipation.

Special things can happen even during the saga of ordinary time. It's not "Opening Day" and while there may not be any fireworks, it can be special. By enjoying ordinary days, we can enjoy the "Opening Days" of our lives even more.