Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Live for Today
When we allow our minds to be weighed down by the "what ifs" of yesterday or tomorrow, we can not fulfill the duties of today. Though challenging to say the least, we must engage the present by keeping our eyes on what faces us right now.
For some, a broken relationship from the past haunts them while another regrets a poor decision from decades ago. One thinks, "If I'd only done A instead of B!" But, what value is there in reliving the "wish I'd haves" from days gone by? In truth, the "couldas," "shouldas," and "wouldas" only serve as shackles on our feet while trespassing upon our ability to take steps for today.
Similarly, others dread the future. One wonders, "How will I pay that bill that's coming next week?" Another ponders, "What if my spouse ever leaves me or what if my child gets sick and dies?" Just like obsessing over the past can not rewrite history, stressing over the future doesn't make life safer or void of problems either. Even though it might seem less damaging to worry about the future instead of the past, living with your eyes upon tomorrow can be futile as well.
Even Jesus cautions against this kind of thinking when he says, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). I think I hear an "Amen" through my laptop from some of you on this point because most of us readily agree that each day has enough problems of its own. Sadly, we often forget to apply the first part of that verse about not worrying.
Now, this doesn't mean that we can't ever think about issues from the past or possess feelings of regret. Nor, does it mean that we can't plan for the future by making wise choices, such as solvent financial investments or a healthy diet and exercise plan. But, in the midst of these contemplations, we shouldn't fret over the past or the future beyond what we can control. Instead, we should seek serenity for today because the truth is that we can't change the past and we can't determine the future.
So, instead of taking steps backward or forward, let's stand firm upon the tasks and concerns of today, just one moment at a time. Let's busy ourselves with current needs and responsibilities: food, clothes, bills, relationships, and chores...but just for today. The result will be a fuller day, lived with intentionality and focus. By living for one day at a time, each breath will feel deeper and more relaxed; anxieties will lessen, and peace will follow!
Share some of your thoughts about living simply for today. What are some of the tools that help you to implement these truths? We'd love to hear from you. :)
For some, a broken relationship from the past haunts them while another regrets a poor decision from decades ago. One thinks, "If I'd only done A instead of B!" But, what value is there in reliving the "wish I'd haves" from days gone by? In truth, the "couldas," "shouldas," and "wouldas" only serve as shackles on our feet while trespassing upon our ability to take steps for today.
Similarly, others dread the future. One wonders, "How will I pay that bill that's coming next week?" Another ponders, "What if my spouse ever leaves me or what if my child gets sick and dies?" Just like obsessing over the past can not rewrite history, stressing over the future doesn't make life safer or void of problems either. Even though it might seem less damaging to worry about the future instead of the past, living with your eyes upon tomorrow can be futile as well.
Even Jesus cautions against this kind of thinking when he says, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). I think I hear an "Amen" through my laptop from some of you on this point because most of us readily agree that each day has enough problems of its own. Sadly, we often forget to apply the first part of that verse about not worrying.
Now, this doesn't mean that we can't ever think about issues from the past or possess feelings of regret. Nor, does it mean that we can't plan for the future by making wise choices, such as solvent financial investments or a healthy diet and exercise plan. But, in the midst of these contemplations, we shouldn't fret over the past or the future beyond what we can control. Instead, we should seek serenity for today because the truth is that we can't change the past and we can't determine the future.
So, instead of taking steps backward or forward, let's stand firm upon the tasks and concerns of today, just one moment at a time. Let's busy ourselves with current needs and responsibilities: food, clothes, bills, relationships, and chores...but just for today. The result will be a fuller day, lived with intentionality and focus. By living for one day at a time, each breath will feel deeper and more relaxed; anxieties will lessen, and peace will follow!
Share some of your thoughts about living simply for today. What are some of the tools that help you to implement these truths? We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: faith, live for today, parents
