Forget about the past and live for today
Whatever you’re experiencing in your life today, did you know today matters?
I recently spoke with a T.V. talk show host who asked me if I was familiar with the saying: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present.”
When I heard these words a flood of memories came back to me as I remembered how an old friend encouraged me with these very words when I was going through a difficult time.
She emphasized how today is the present. Today is God’s gift to us and what we do with it is our gift back to him. Yesterday, with all its regrets, memories and mistakes, is placed behind us. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we can impact tomorrow with our choices for today.
Most people lack an understanding for this. They think life is left to chance or luck and pray for the best. And, although God does perform miracles — I am a big believer in them — much of our life is a process formed through our actions and attitudes, daily routines and choices.
Some overemphasize the past and focus more on regrets and failures. I believe there is value in learning from our past mistakes; however, dwelling on them leaves us feeling discouraged, depressed and steals our joy and creativity for today.
Tomorrow is a big question mark. Will it be better, or will things get worse? In these trying economical times we ponder that question a lot.
The good news is yesterday ended last night. Today we can enjoy our lives by at least finding one thing to be grateful for and focusing on the task for today.
We can start investing in tomorrow by taking a small step today that may bring a big change in the future. We may start working on our health by taking a short walk or drinking a glass of water instead of sugar drinks.
We can work on our relationships by controlling our bad temper, smiling at others and doing something nice for someone.
We can start saving money if only by putting one penny in a jar. We can enjoy the day by playing with a child, or singing a happy song and thanking God for the day.
Keeping in mind that today is a gift can keep us mindful not to waste the time away. We can place the past behind us and embrace a new beginning with a bright future by simply remembering today matters.
Ÿ Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She will be speaking from 9-10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at Panera Bread in Gurnee on “Making Your Dream Reality.” Conference is free. Due to limited seating, reservations are preferred but not necessary. Contact by email at Annetteebudzban@aol.com