Is there a promise of tomorrow?
Why is it that we see Christmas decorations before we can put away the Halloween reminders? And why is it that in the hours before the Thanksgiving feast many folks are making their shopping lists for the coming weekend?
We’re always looking ahead to what’s next. Today doesn’t seem to be good enough. Yet there’s a problem with such a mindset, for we’re not promised tomorrow.
Those plans we’re making? That next thing we can’t wait to arrive?
They may never come.
Today could be it.
Today might not seem like much. It might not have arrived with much fanfare. And it might not be able to hold a candle to the unknown magic tomorrow may hold.
But it’s here.
Today’s available, right now, for us to grab and make the most of it.
What are you going to do with it?
I know what I’m going to do with it. I’ll enjoy the sunshine/rain/wind and lift my face in the moment, for I am here.
And my husband Bob is not. After a protracted illness Bob died last week, at home and in his sleep.
None of us know what our last day will be, so I will remember Og Mandino’s lesson in his book “The Greatest Salesman in the World.”
“I will live this day as if it is my last.
And if it is my last, it will be my greatest monument.
This day I will make the best day of my life.
This day I will drink every minute to its full.
I will savor its taste and give thanks.
I will maketh every hour count and each minute I will trade only for something of value…
Each minute of today will be more fruitful than hours of yesterday.
My last must be my best.
I will live this day as if it is my last.
And if it is not, I shall fall to my knees and give thanks.”
16 Comments
And so it is.
Hi Pat, I am so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. I read it in the Times Standard this AM. I knew he was not well when I saw you 2 years ago. I hope the past two years were not hard for you or Bob. Sometimes illness can be devastating for all. I do believe in living each day to the max. When you are 75 you cannot be sure there will be a tomorrow. Of course that is true of any age. My thoughts and prayers are with you. DJ
DJ, so good to hear from you! It has been a rough couple of years, but knowing that tomorrow wasn’t promised to either of us, we were closer than ever. Hospice was a godsend the last two months, as well.
Pat: I am so sorry. Everything you have said is true but that doesn’t make it any easier. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. You will be in my prayers.
Mary Kay, Nobody ever said it would be easy, they just said it would be. And living today more consciously seems important to me now, more than ever before.
Pat so very very nice…and the quote from TGSITW is so fitting for so many to live and die to. Why wouldn’t we all want to live our lives like that.
Denny, I’ve read almost all of Og Mandino’s books and that particular scroll is one I copied out many years ago and memorized!
Such a fitting reminder for all of us all of the time!
Pat,
What a lovely tribute to Bob. All our thoughts are with you.
Couldn’t have said that better myself! So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your poignant insight for all of us to reflect upon. Most of us know it is true but often times get so wrapped up in life that we can tend to not always true perspective. Thank you for the valuable reminder. You or an inspiration!
Dee Dee, I believe we need all the inspiration we can get. It is much too easy to get caught up in the mundane tasks on our to-do lists and forget to appreciate the gifts of life, of love, of joy, of peace. But the gifts enrich us!
Just heard of your loss at church. Sorry.I pray your grieving will be dissipated at
God speed.
.
George, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Pat, my deepest condolences. May you be blessed every day in all that you do for so many others. Know that you are surrounded by a Love that stands by and with you now. Meg
Meg, I appreciate your thoughts and blessings. Thank you for sharing.
Pat,
Thank you for sharing your wisdom. What a beautiful tribute to Bob. My life is truely enriched by the people I meet and have the opportunity to appreciate in the moment.
Susan, you enrich the lives of so many through your work with Hospice. You truly made these last 2 months easier. Thank you!