Just For Today

In Bill Keane’s comic strip, Family circus, he has Dolly sharing this bit of wisdom with her little brother P.J. “Yesterday’s the past.  Tomorrow’s the future.  But today is a gift.  That’s why it’s called the present.” 

Today.  It’s an important word in the Bible.  The Hebrew writer exhorted, “today, if you will hear his voice…” (4:17) Paul said, “today is the day to be saved!” (2 Cor. 6:2).  Jesus told Zacchaeus to hurry down out  of the tree he was in because, “I am going to your house today.” (Luke 19:5) 

Yesterday is gone.  Tomorrow is only a vision.  Today’s all that we have.  So…..

          Just for today, let me remember who I am.  A person created in the image of God.  With worth. Value. Dignity.  A Christian.  Seeking to be like Jesus, 

          Just for today, let me thank God for who He is.  The Almighty. My Father.  My Rock. The one in whom I live, and move and sustain my being. 

          Just for today, let me be nice to another person. A neighbor.  A friend.  A co-worker.  Maybe even my husband or wife!  Or children! 

          Just for today, let me think positive.  About my life.  My relationships.  My future.

          Just for today, let me forgive others’ trespasses.  Life’s too short to hold a grudge.  I will forgive.  Forget.  And let go. 

          Just for today, let me pause to pray.  No matter how busy my day is today, I will pray.  For my family.  For other people. For God’s continued blessing. 

          Just for today, let me meditate on God’s Word.  I will spend a little time in the Word.  Even if it is just a verse. I will think.  Ponder. Contemplate on what it means to me. 

          Just for today, let me lend a helping hand. To someone in need. To someone who is hurting.  To someone who needs encouragement. 

          Just for today let me praise a friend.  Honesty. Sincerely. Enthusiastically.  I will look for the good and praise it.

           Just for today, let me smile instead of frown.  I will seek the joy of the Lord.  And I will allow it to be seen in my eyes. My face.  My voice. 

          Just  for today, let me remember that today is yesterday’s tomorrow. And so I will use my gift wisely.  I will not waste it or neglect it.  But accept God’s present as a fleeting blessing to be used. Savored.  And shared.

—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman