Live Today

My friend, Brooke, and I had a discussion a while back about if “you” are someone who thinks in the future(?). She said there are people who think in the past; those who think in the future; and of course, those who live—or think—in the present. I definitely fall into the category of future thinking. Let me give you a little insight…

When I was a teenager and a statistician for the girls’ track team, I remember thinking about wearing sunglasses to minimize wrinkles for when I was older. (Future thinking, to say the least!). I am a planner, so planning my day, my week, events, my game plan, etc…future thinking.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy reflecting on past memories, one, for enjoyment; and two, so I don’t forget—in the future!! Also, I like to reflect to learn. In college, we had to write “reflections” after teaching a lesson…basically what worked, what we liked, and what we might change. This was one of the easiest tasks I had because I am a natural reflector when it comes to what I said or did, and what I might change…sometimes to the point of over-thinking [not that I have ever been told that (wink)!]. There is a difference, however, on this type of thinking, and living in the past.

Living in the past to a degree that causes a longing to go back on a regular basis steals your present joy…and in some cases, I have seen some people who have looked back too fondly on their past lifestyles, and actually seemed to go back to living there. If you look closely, you will find that the seed just might be discontentment. “I am not happy with my present because the past was better,” perhaps? Let me just say that if you live there, others around you will no doubt be affected. Your lack of joy will be evident.

But, living in the future can be just as detrimental. Whether I am afraid of what might happen that hasn’t yet, or I am looking toward the next best thing, I might very well be missing the moment at hand and be carrying a seed of discontentment. This moment, this hour, this day is a gift to be enjoyed.

Are you familiar with choosing a word of the year? That word basically becomes the theme of the year. My daughter, Mackenzie, first introduced me to it, and I believe she has a list she has compiled from year to year. I have somewhat adopted this trend, but not as a have-to, but I do think of it around the new year. Last year, my word kind of fell flat; but this year, I feel it was God-inspired. It came to me at the end of last year, and was mentioned several times in a sermon more than once at the beginning of the year. It has since come to my attention in different ways. That word is abide.

The first few definitions from the Dictionary.com app are as follows:

verb (used without object), a·bode or a·bid·ed, a·bid·ing.
• to remain; continue; stay: Abide with me.
• to have one’s abode; dwell; reside: to abide in a small Scottish village.
• to continue in a particular condition, attitude, relationship, etc.; last.

My version:

ABIDE: rest; continue; live

My desire:

To abide in Jesus…
To rest in Him.
To continue in Him.
To live in Him.

When I get too much future thinking going on, I am reminded to take a breath—and abide. When I think about jumping in too quickly, I am reminded to abide…let Him lead.

“even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I recently ran into a veteran at the grocery store. He served in Vietnam for three years. We talked for a bit, and he said that he learned from the military to live today. Yesterday is past / gone. Basically, learn from it, but don’t dwell there. Live today—every day.

And for any other future-thinkers out there, I once read a quote that really struck me…

“Enjoy the going and stop thinking so fiercely about getting there.”

…because what I have found is that once you get “there,” you are thinking about the next thing…and the next.

Live today. Abide.

It might take a little practice, but don’t hesitate to remind yourself that this moment is a gift and definitely something to be thankful for—to celebrate.

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“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.15.4-11.ESV

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭118‬:‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.118.24.ESV

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