The Gift of Today

(Photo credit- Montana Watson)

Psalm 118:24- This is the day The Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it.

          For the past 3 days we have talked about the importance of celebrating our struggles, victories and loved ones. We also touched on the blessings that come from doing so. But as I share my final thoughts on the topic with you today for the week, I want to stress, more than anything, the importance of celebrating the gift of today.

As a planner, I spent many years looking ahead without much thought for the present day. I could tell you what was on the schedule next week, next month, next year. Truth be told,  I could go as far as telling you what I had planned for the next 5 years. I’m sure that The Lord found humor in this, as I now know, that His plan outweighs my own. But what I learned over time,  was that I was robbing myself of the blessings that were all around me each day.

Looking back, I can see where The Lord was teaching me this through various experiences throughout my life. Although, I’d have to say that the lesson became very clear over the course of our daughter, Morgan’s original leukemia diagnosis. You see, there were days when Morgan would look us in the eyes and not know who we were. Then, there were days when she was in coma, and we were unsure if she would make it through the night. But, thankfully,  there were also the really good days when she would wake up with enough energy for us all. Those were the days that we learned to embrace, by becoming spontaneous in every way. If Morgan woke up feeling well, we would set out on an adventure for the day. Sometimes that meant within the hospital walls, if she was inpatient. Ultimately, each day became so precious as we begin to see it for the gift that it was.

Listen, the truth is, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Nor are we guaranteed the life we have become accustomed to. It can change in a blink. Yes, just like that it  can be taken away. Everything that we have worked for can disappear…our health, our wealth, our relationships, and ultimately, our lives.  I know, because I’ve seen it… I’ve experienced it… I’ve lived it! This is exactly why we must learn to practice celebrating the gift of today every day, and the good & not so good that comes with it.

On that note, as we say goodbye until Monday, I wish you a weekend full of love & laughter. I pray that as you go to bed each night, and wake up each morning, that you recognize the gift that you have been given & understand the value that it holds. For The Creator of the Universe died over 2,000 years ago so that you could live, and live each day to the fullest!

Blessing to you all!

-Salina Watson