Yesterday our 44th President was inaugurated for a second term in the White House with all the pomp and circumstance that accompanies such momentous occasions. Millions viewed the proceedings as they celebrated Martin Luther King Day, and there was ample reference to the subjects of change, vision, mission, and renewed purpose.

I am sitting at my front window this morning, watching another inauguration take place. Light is beginning to invade the eastern sky, and shadows will soon give way to the sun’s brilliant spotlight. And . . . the day will begin.

A new day. Fresh, pristine, and full of possibilities. It is an inauguration day par excellence. The initiation of a new page of life, a clean slate upon which to write the stories about to emerge today. And it, too, is full of change, vision, mission, and purpose.

I have always been fascinated with the beginning of the day.

Each morning has a special attraction to me. It is always announced by birds singing and busily flying to and fro; they often land on the shrub that sits in front of my window. More often than not they remind me of myself; not peacefully entering the day, mind you, but frantically flitting about in an attempt to get as much done as possible. To quote comedian, Brian Regan, they need to “get some Montana brochures,” or something.

But the freshness of the morning air, and the glow of the dawn have an appeal that is nothing short of astounding. It is as if the earth is being reborn each day like a child emerging from the womb. Darkness gives way to full light; eyes closed in a deathlike sleep open with countless expectations; stillness struggles to its feet and is magically transformed into animated movement. Maybe that is why the birds are so excited.

It is a “renewal of the face of the earth” (Psalm 104:30).

Today is Inauguration Day! And it stretches out before you like a vast ocean of seemingly endless possibilities. How will you use this day? With vision? Mission? Purpose? Change?

I can see that a slight breeze has entered center stage this morning. I wonder if this an omen of some kind.

The word “inauguration” carries with it the ancient Roman notion that there were signs to be read, omens to interpret, important events to portend. The ushering in of each new day is concomitant with the signals that birds would provide, favorable signs that gave approval to the initiation of the new day. An authorized commencement, if you will. A sanctioned beginning.

This day is a gift, packaged in light, laden with the feel of the air, orchestrated with the surround sound of birds, and filled with the sights and smells of life. It is an inaugural celebration followed by an inaugural ball without parallel.

And you can do with it what you will.

I don’t know if the 44th President of the United States will have the vision, embrace the mission, or provide the purpose for the changes that our country needs to make in the next four years.

I am more concerned with what I will do with the gift of this day I have been given. The inauguration is complete. The birds have made their announcement. The sun has risen in the sky. All is in readiness. History is prepared to be written in your life.

Shall we begin?