When I first met Shannon, my stomach was a six-pack. Now it’s a keg. When I first came to FUMC Temple, all my hair was brown. Now it’s predominantly gray. When I first came to FUMC Temple, I met all these little children that we celebrated in church yesterday for graduating from high school.
What this tells me is that I am getting old. And while I hear many people complain about getting older, I’m good with it because every day is one step closer to going home. Having said that, I have to remember that this day is all I am guaranteed. I may not make it to retirement. I may not see my grandchildren grow up. I might not see tomorrow’s sunrise. All that is beyond my control.
But what is in my control is how I choose to live this day. Will I carry a grudge, serve my own interests, sow discord, be arrogant, rude, and not be considerate of the heavy burdens others carry? Or will I forgive, live for a greater purpose, be humble, kind, and compassionate? It is up to me how I spend my time.
This is why James wrote: “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.” Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:13-14)
Make the very most of this day. Concentrate on what really matters and discard what doesn’t. Make your time count. You won’t regret it.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, as I begin a new week filled with both challenges and opportunities, guide my steps, give me wisdom, joy, and compassion. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Today is a new day. How you use it is up to you.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 