Choose Today

by J. Randal Matheny

== Introduction ==

A trip to the U.S., a working visit from a friend, a touch of the flu, kept me away from UPLift. But back to our Choose series!

This issue, let's consider the choice of our time, living today. Remember, for the gluttons, there's more of the article, quotes, and verses on the website. http://YourDaytoShine.com

== Choice Thought ==

I have Today, now, this moment. I will make the most of it, without regrets or pining for yesterday, or worrying about tomorrow. Time is my friend.

== Choose Today ==

Conan O'Brien, whoever he is, said, "In Florida a 96-year-old woman is running for mayor. When asked if she knew who she was running against, she said, 'Time.'"

We see time as the enemy. Something we work against. Something that works against us, robs us of life, cheats us out of youth, health, and happiness. Milton called time "the subtle thief of youth."

Yesterday holds a log of lingering woes and fading memories. Tomorrow appears a gathering storm or the bottomless pit of our good intentions. Today we fight a fog of uncertainty clogging along in our daily routine.

But our despair about time wastes it. The Now is where we live. This moment is not merely "all we have," as if it were little enough, but the gift of God to enjoy, the plenitude of life's possibilities, the flower in full bloom.

The choice, then: to fritter time away by the minute and hour, or to choose today as my day to live, to shine, to love, to laugh.

== Choice Quotes ==

"Defer no time, delays have dangerous ends." --Shakespeare

"Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such." --Henry Miller

"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you." --Carl Sandburg

== Choice Scripture ==

Matthew 6:11 - Give us today our daily bread, ...


Ephesians 5:8 - for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – (All citations are from the [NET Bible])


== Think, Choose, Do ==


1. How do I think of time, as a friend or enemy?

Why?


2. Do I think more about the past or the future?

How does this keep me from living in the present?


3. When was the last time I remember really enjoying the moment?


- J. Randal Matheny edits and writes UPLift, an inspirational ezine. He
may be contacted here: http://randalmathenycom/. When reprinting this
material, please include the following: Copyright (c) 2009 J. Randal
Matheny. All rights reserved.