Last February, I took everything for granted. Shaking hands, giving hugs, playing with grandchildren, eating in restaurants, giving Tootsie Rolls during the Children’s Time, and church activities were routine. They were normal and predictable. I didn’t think twice about them because they were simply part of life.
All of that changed when COVID-19 became everyone’s new reality and what was normal and routine suddenly vanished. That was the moment everything was turned upside down and the world has not been the same.
Shaking hands, giving hugs, eating in restaurants, Tootsie Rolls at the end of the Children’s Time, most church activities, and, most importantly, playing with grandchildren was no longer an option. And while my complaints pale in comparison to what many have experienced, I have to admit, there have been times when it has been frustrating and depressing. I wanted my normal back. Then it happened.
This past weekend was the first time I have experienced normal since last March. That’s because our church was determined to have a safe, fun, Trunk or Treat. It was wonderful. It was like a breath of fresh air had suddenly blown into a stuffy room.
Children in wonderful costumes, parents taking pictures at the photo booth, volunteers handing out candy, Halloween music drifted across the parking lot, and excited children picked out their pumpkins as laughter filled with air. It was a time of joy and celebration. It couldn’t have been better. This got me thinking.
Someday, all of this madness will end and we will get back to our wonderful, predictable, normal routines. When that happens, I won’t take any of it for granted. I intend to wrap my arms around each day and truly live with every ounce of my being. But why wait till the future?
Today is all we are promised. Putting off truly living till some future date would be to waste the precious gift of this moment. I do not believe that is God’s will.
God wants us to truly live for today. That’s why Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
So today, choose to live life abundantly. That doesn’t mean your life will be perfectly problem free but it does mean that you will not take anything for granted. This perspective will make your day truly blessed.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to live this day to its fullest. In the midst of the storms of life, fill my heart with joy, peace, and comfort. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Someday, life will return to normal. But don’t put off living until someday. Live today. It’s all we are guaranteed.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 