Today.

When I was a kid, the most popular comment from all of my teachers was that I would be more successful if I would slow down. They would tell me to go back and re-check all of my work… because there was no way I could have completed an assignment in such a short amount of time. My mom would remind me before I would go to school to “Take your time, don’t be in a rush to get your work done!”

I have to admit- I like things done quickly. I like to drive fast, I don’t like to stop for red lights (watch out for the black Focus!). I like to finish one task, so that I can move on to another. I like people to get to the point, instead of explaining the same thing 10 different ways. I like to know what is going to happen tomorrow- before I can even enjoy today.

Lately I have been praying for patience. I have been praying that I won’t rush through each day, but rather enjoy what I have now, because tomorrow isn’t even a promise.

Over and over in the Bible we are reminded to patiently endure with expectant hearts. We are taught to be joyful NOW, while we patiently wait for trials to come to an end.

My brother in law recently preached a message called “Everyday Deserves a Chance”. It is based around Psalm 118:24 which says: “This is the day that the Lord had made, we will rejoice and be glad IN it”. This week I have been challenged to be happy with each day that is given to me. I have been challenged to stop worrying about what may come tomorrow, next week, or next year- but to take in what God has in store for TODAY. I don’t want to look back years from now and realize that I was rushing through life waiting for the “next thing” to come along. Ben based his sermon around a book written by Max Lucado, and for me, this quote says it best:

“By and large, by golly, giving the day a chance works! You do the same the next day and the next. Days become a week. Weeks become months. Months become years of good days. In such a fashion good lives are built. One good day at a time…And if you can stack one good day on another and another, you will link together a good life. “

For me, giving the day a chance is more then just having a positive attitude, and patiently enduring… It has to do with slowing down, and taking in what today has to offer. Chances are, at some point in my past, I was more then likely wishing for this day, anyways--- so I might as well enjoy it! The Sr. Pastor at our former church use to say “don’t wish time away…” and I am definitely reminded of this in these past few days.

I have decided to start taking one day at a time. I am choosing to give each day a chance, so that at the end of my life I can “stack one good day on another, and link together a good life… “ You should consider it, too.