THIS Is the Day!

Psalm 118:24. “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

OK, I confess that sometimes I am writing these posts to myself. This is one of them. Years ago, I found an occupation (strategic planner) that is well suited to my predisposition to think about the future. I like to think about possibilities, and how various influences and events could shape the future of an organization. I like the concept of vision, and how it motivates and aligns people toward a preferred future. I like to think about things as they might be, and how to create strategies to get there.

Often, however, when we think about the future, we think about what could go wrong – health, employment, finances, relationships, and so on. All of us have at least a bit of this in us. I have a friend like this who describes himself as a “negative scanner.” I guess that sounds better than “worrier.”

So I need to keep Psalm 118:24 in front of me regularly. I need to be reminded that today is a gift from God. I need to remember that even though there are a dozen things I could worry about – things that may take a turn for the worse tomorrow or next week or next year – that I have today to enjoy. I need to count my blessings – to appreciate all that God has given me today. I need to remember that God loves me deeply and wants to spend time with me… today.

Sometimes we think of “perspective” as stepping back and taking the long view of things. This has its place. But often we need the perspective of just enjoying today. Take a few minutes to think about how God has blessed you and thank him for it – and thank him for today!