Taking One Day at a Time
My sister (more than the sis-in-law she really is) and I frequently have long “catch-up” telephone conversations. She is beyond being a “trooper”. I want to clarify that word “trooper”. She is exactly what the dictionary says she is. Other than being a soldier or police officer, it means “someone willing to participate in difficult situations, like agreeing to take on added responsibility even though they have very little free time.” That, she is. Two months until 99, Mom (also more than the mother-in-law that she really is to me). lives with Karen and George, so 24/7 – Karen cares for her. Karen has little time for casual conversation or to go anywhere outside the home since Mom refuses care from anyone other than Karen. The very least I can do is to be Karen’s cheerleader. I like to think these pep talks garner her new energy and determination. There is something to be said for caregivers and the day-to-day, ongoing, never-ending routines. I was one of those.
My years of caring for elderly parents have passed. There are many needs in geriatric care. I say those words respectfully, and you should, too! Unless God chooses otherwise, we’ll be there ourselves one day! Karen and I agree. The answer is in taking one day at a time –-doing our best to make the best of that one day.
Imagine how Moses felt –- day-after-day, for 40 years with those whining wilderness people? Still, He obeyed and heeded God’s call. God, Who specializes in doing the impossible, was with him. Moses followed the Lord one day at a time, and in the process, God used him to save an entire nation. His greatest strength was knowing and depending on God. The One Who called Him, enabled him — one day at a time.
As a young wife, mother, businesswoman and ministry leader, I remember the stresses that accompanied each station of my life. I remember the desperation in decision-making, the financial hurdles and health challenges. But, even in the anxiety, God’s Word would rise up in me: “This is the day the Lord has made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24), even if nothing changes!” That was my declaration then AND now!
We’re wasting today if we only dream about tomorrow or reminisce about the past. We can’t change the past. Yesterday is gone forever. I remember my Mama’s famous line as a single mom raising me: “You can’t get blood out of a turnip!” She was saying “What’s the worst thing that can happen? We still have US! This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
I do reminisce about the sweet times of the past and great expectations for the future. But, primarily, I focus on this day. I set my heart on God’s will for this day. I determine to be glad in this day. I confess: “I live for God THIS day. I trust God with all my heart THIS day.”
Jesus focused on doing the will of the Father daily. His perfect prayer includes this line: “Give us THIS DAY our daily bread.” In all of life’s changes (and I’ve had many), one thing remains constant. That is the peace that comes from following Him – this day. If you are going through some difficult times and are uncertain about what tomorrow holds for you — don’t let the joy of THIS day be stolen from you. Take hold of God’s hand and His Word, and it will give you the calm and ability to make it through whatever is up ahead — one day at a time.