Jean Newell, Associate Pastor at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church
“Tomorrow. I’ll think about it tomorrow.” Isn’t that what Scarlett liked to say? Scarlett O’Hara of Gone with the Wind fame? Time and time again in the midst of life’s struggles, Scarlett’s response was to look to “tomorrow.”
With the New Year 2019 upon us, “tomorrow” can hold many things. Tomorrow can mean change; change in health, change in living arrangements, change in financial resources. Tomorrow can bring opportunities for reconciliation with family members and friends. Tomorrow can be feared because of the unknown, of what the future holds, or tomorrow can be viewed as an adventure.
However, what if there were to be no tomorrow? Tomorrow is not an absolute guarantee. One only needs to listen to the early morning news reports to hear how there may be no tomorrow for those involved in fatal car wrecks. For those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, there may be no sense of tomorrow; only the immediate moment. For others, diagnosed with a life-threatening illness or disease, tomorrow may not be a reality.
So if tomorrow is not a guarantee, might that not make “today” even more precious? Instead of being like Scarlett, does it not behoove us to live each day to the fullest? How so? Having conversations that matter. Appreciating blessings rather than focusing on what one does not have. Sharing a kind word rather than a snarly comment. Forgiving others for past hurts and asking forgiveness for one’s own less than sterling moments. Reaching out and helping someone in need. Enjoying the beauty unique to the world around us. Remembering to say “please,” “thank you” and “I love you.” Spending time with those who matter.
As 2019 begins, may we take to heart the words of the psalmist who wrote, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24. “Tomorrow” is not guaranteed; therefore, let us look at each day, as it comes, as a gift from God. Let us not waste God’s gift of today by focusing our energy on tomorrow. Each day is unique and one of a kind. May we live each day to the fullest. In doing so, we honor the One from whom each day is given!