The most important day you will ever experience is today.
I served a family in officiating a celebration of their 31 year-old son’s life. He went to sleep one night and never woke up. I met his mom, dad and sisters for the first time a few days after his death to plan the memorial.
There was an instant bond between us. Their son was the same age as our youngest son – both were elite athletes and cherished by their family and friends.
I prepared for the service as a parent first and then as a pastor.
Today Matters
Darryl’s parents and sisters would give pretty much anything for even one more day on earth with him.
Today matters.
Many of us look at our days in the wrong way: We exaggerate yesterday’s influences. We overestimate tomorrow’s promise. We underestimate today.
What are you doing today?
7 Things I Do Daily That Make My Days Count
1. Show and tell Jocelyn that I love her – many times.
2. Text, call, tweet, FB, Instagram or email our kids and grandkids a loving note of humor, encouragement, insight or just an “I love you. Proud of you.”
3. Write at least one thank you note, text or send one thank you e-mail everyday to my friends and teammates.
4. Return my phone calls within 12 hours.
5. Read my Bible. Think, journal and pray about what I read.
6. Remind myself to stay positive – be a good finder – to keep short accounts by forgiving and moving on.
7. See the big picture – long-term goals see me through short-term setbacks. I remind myself to live in the light of eternity.
The Value of Time
How you spend your day is much more important than how you spend your money. Money mistakes can often be corrected, but when you lose time, it’s gone forever.
Your priorities determine how you spend your time, and time is precious.
The following statements will help you put time in perspective:
To know the value of one year… ask the student who failed the final exam.
To know the value of one month… ask the mother of a premature baby.
To know the value of one week… ask the editor of a weekly news magazine.
To know the value of one day… ask the wage earner who has six children.
To know the value of one hour… ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To know the value of one minute… ask the person who missed the plane.
To know the value of one second… ask the person who survived the accident.
To know the value of one millisecond… ask the Olympic silver medalist.
John C. Maxwell
I’ve long been inspired by Dale Witherington’s ode to “Today”.
Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today
Today is the most important day of my life.
Yesterday with its successes and victories, struggles and failures
is gone forever.
The past is past.
Done.
Finished.
I cannot relive it. I cannot go back and change it.
But I will learn from it and improve my today.
Tomorrow with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and troubles isn’t here yet.
Indeed, tomorrow may never come.
Therefore, I will not worry about tomorrow.
Today is what God has entrusted to me.
It is all that I have and I will do my best in it.
I will demonstrate the best of me in it—my character, giftedness, and abilities—to my family and friends, clients and associates.
I will identify those things that are most important to do today, and those things I will do until they are done.
And when this day is done I will look back with satisfaction at that which I have accomplished.
Then and only then will I plan my tomorrow looking to improve upon today with God’s help.
Was this post timely? Let us know. Please leave a comment below. That would make my day.
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Inspired to make today count! Thank you Pastor Bob!
Over the years one of the important situations I have learned is that in every situation we have choices.
Whether it be dealing with strangers, co workers. Acquaintances, good friends and family, we have a choice of using “words of death” (which cut people down and shut their mouths) or “words of life” (which extend the love of Jesus no matter what). I believe according to the bible is meekness.
One day a woman approached my Mom, shouting and accusing her of something that she was very angry about.
I was stunned and immediately moved forward to defend my mother. She grabbed my hand and pulled me back.
My Mom put her hand on the woman’s shoulder and said, “I am so sorry if I upset you. Please forgive me.”
The woman backed up and nodded.
I wanted tell my Mom the woman was wrong and rude.
But I had been taught well and kept my thoughts to myself.
After reading your presentation, this came to mind.
A pure example of words of life and death.
I guess I woild say,
My words through any situation must be with “words of life”.
I know I fail often but I do try to rely on the Lord for even what comes out of my mouth.
I fail often but I daily try to speak with word s of life.
(That woman came back and apologized for speaking to the wrong the wrong person)
I thank the Lord for the Holy Spirit, my teacher.
Meekness — how does that affect your words?
Are they words of life or words of death?
Boy, do I have to work on this daily!
How about you?
Thank you Pastor Bob, this has really resonated with me today!! I find that since our precious grandson Max was born, I live each day in the “now” as I help nuture and care for him. Each day is such a blessing!! Thank you Lord
Awesome being a gramma, eh? You make a good one. Enjoy your DAY.
Very glad you are inspired! You inspire me. True leader. Integrity. Devotion. First class.
‘Words of life” are so needed. Be a good finder and one whose exercise comes by lifting others up.
Great post! I shared it with my prayer group this week and they were inspired as well. Many blessings to you and Joc in 2021!
Happy to know the content was useful to you, Laura. Enjoy everyday in 2021.