Seize the Day
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV
I dare admit to having an extraordinary number of blooming plants this time of year. I collect so many because they all bloom at various times. The hydrangeas produce flowers that will linger all summer. The crepe myrtles and magnolias yield blooms that last about a week or two. However, one of my favorite perennials—a hibiscus plant—produces flowers that last only one day. Though proficient in blooms, these saucer sized beauties greet me first thing each morning only to collapse upon themselves by evening. This plant is so adept in letting go of yesterday that the blooms handily drop to the ground once spent.
We can do well to follow its example. Most of us are too preoccupied with the future or haunted by the past. An increasing number of us manage to do both simultaneously. The time and energy wasted on these pursuits is futile. The Bible prods us to do neither. Our tendency to dwell on the past and events yet to come robs us of the present. I call it death by distraction. Dreams die when we allow should haves and what ifs to kill the initiatives and purpose God plants in each of us.
The world is chaotic. Our minds race. But we were not designed to live this way. We were created to commune with God. This requires time and intent. We are commanded to love one another. Designating time to care, share, and listen is vital to sustaining good relationships. The western norm of doing more to become notable, affluent, or amass a large following is not our race to run. There is nothing wrong with those things. Yet when we strive to achieve goals that differ from God’s intent, we make ourselves miserable.
Our journeys are unique. There is no need to worry about keeping up or falling behind. Even our failures can eventually work for our good. God predestined each of us for different purposes and paces.
Seize today. Laugh and love. Be still and know that He is God even if only for a few minutes. Give God the first and best part of yourself. When we treasure each day—give thanks, pray, and praise—we stop running ragged.
Question for Reflection:
How can we expect more out of life if we fail to appreciate the new miracles gifted to us each morning?
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. -- Matthew 6:34 NKJV
