journey onWord with us

It is now day 2 of 365, and we have a long way to go. Does that make you feel a bit weary? And think about all of last year’s New Year’s resolutions that were reduced to wishful thinking by about day 10 of 365. Don’t worry; my goal is not to depress you the first week of 2017. My concern is, however, that on day 2/365 many of us have already drifted mentally to 4/365, or 6/365. You can fill in any day, but a common struggle for all of us is living lives that are consumed with anything but simply today. Many reading this article may already be building next week’s work agenda, others may be anxious about family issues that are out of control, and still others may be chained to a myriad of other concerns that move us from today. My premise is, this is day 2 of 365. It is all we have been given and, therefore, it should be maximized.

So, just for a moment, forget New Year’s resolutions and begin to think about today’s opportunities. If we can live each day as 1 of 1, then the moments, people, and issues of today take on greater significance. My personal Bible reading for the year is starting with Matthew, and Matthew 6:34 gives perspective on living just today.

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (NLT)

Good counsel for sure, but there is a subtle emotion that runs through most Christ-followers that craves living tomorrow before it comes.  There is nothing wrong with planning and preparing for the future, but when the future disrupts the moments of today, something is wrong.

In beginning the New Year, I (like you) want to prepare myself the right way. And the right way is to live in the fullness of today (1 of 1). A few reflections came to my mind in thinking about beginning anew. I want to share a couple that may help challenge you to live 1 of 1. Don’t worry about perfection, just start working on today.

… It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.
From The Station, by Robert J. Hastings.

… ”I want each of you to go away from this place and never hurry again. Hurry is always an expression of anxiety and the sign of a deeper problem.”
Quoted from Dallas Willard  in the book Apprenticeship with Jesus, by Gary W. Moon.

The first quote is obvious as we think about living 1 of 1. When looking at Dallas Willard’s quote, the logic of living today may not be as clear. But when we choose to only live today, the hurry that erupts from thoughts of tomorrow should begin to dissipate. Living 1 of 1 will cause you and I to listen better, focus on others as they speak, and generally to live in the moment. It can be done!

Often in the course of a conversation, I will say to someone, “Every day you give away is gone.” Sadly, looking ahead to 4 of 365, 6 of 365, and 25 of 365 in previous years of my life have caused me to give some days away. I know what Matthew 6:34 states, and I believe it can be lived. So as you and I begin 2017, let it not only be about the regular New Year’s traditions and resolutions, but let it be about living 1 of 1! You will be glad you did.