In 1980 when I was 16 I remember my mum playing this record by Lena Martell over and over again (or perhaps it just seemed like it). This song had been a surprise chart-topper in 1979 and I hated it, I thought it was far too corny and far too ‘religious’. Ironically 30 years later these sentiments, written by Kris Kristofferson, have become a daily prayer for me.
In recent years I have learnt two things that bring me great freedom; I’m a slow learner so it took me till now!
1. It is not my job to change or regulate anyone, apart from myself
2. I can live ‘Just for Today’
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 [NIV]
I believe we should live each day as if it were our last; one day of course we will be right! I am not suggesting that we live life recklessly but rather purposefully, living life abundantly is a state of mind. I was always impatient to get to the next ‘destination’ in life e.g. roll on the weekend, the next holiday, next event etc. unfortunately; in doing this I missed the ‘journey’. There is a prayer I have used daily in recent years as a guideline to live each day to the best of my ability. I don’t always get it right, I’m no saint, but it sure helps me live each day purposefully. It is accredited to a Roman Catholic nun, Sybil F Partridge, and each day this week I will share a few verses.
“Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime. Just for today I will be happy. This assumes what Abraham Lincoln said is true: 'Most folks are about as happy as they make their mind up to be.' Happiness comes from within; it is not a matter of externals”.
This last month with a summer wedding to organise, coupled with looking for a new home and a new job in London I have found it tempting to try and ‘tackle my whole life problem at once’ (not that it’s a problem of course but you get my drift). I have become anxious at times with so much to arrange. This meditation has been a wonderful tool to keep me focused on enjoying each moment of the journey for what it is rather than losing the plot! From God’s perspective things are already all in hand.
Today, if you feel anxious about anything, or you feel you have fallen short in some way, don’t worry; give it to the Lord ….. after all, tomorrow is another day.
Lord for my sake, teach me to take One Day at a Time
