“Yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream.” ~ Khalil Gibran
I was side swiped the other day by a wave, or I should say by an avalanche, of emotions I didn’t anticipate. They came on the heals of having gone through a pile of old pictures and reminiscing on my child rearing days.
I miss those days when all three of my children were home under my wings 24/7. I loved those days.
I’m grieving a season of life that will never come again, and also a season I really enjoyed.
As I went deeper with my thoughts, I realized that all we have is today, this moment. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come.
What can we learn from our yesterday?
1. Be grateful for what you have
Pay attention to the little things in life that you take for granted. For example, if you have clean water or if you have hot water. Many countries in the world suffer a lack of both of these.
This morning I pulled my back and am currently on bed rest with an ice pack. I am realizing how much I take for granted~even being able to walk up and down stairs or going out to run errands.
There are many things to be thankful to God for.
2. Repent, turn and change from your mistakes
If you have made poor choices in your past, don’t live in shame and guilt, but instead learn from your mistakes. Strive to be a better person each and every day.
3. Live in the present
In today’s world there are so many distractions, especially with today’s technology. The other day I was behind an elementary school bus and I witnessed a little girl running to her mom in joy. The mother, however, was texting or doing something on her cell phone and didn’t even notice that precious moment. It made me so sad.
Don’t let an electronic have so much control over you, that you miss precious moments with loved ones.
4. Don’t grumble and complain
It’s so easy to “whine” through our days. Whatever “it” is that is causing you to complain, try to think of someone in the world who doesn’t have it as good as you do.
Don’t complain about the laundry, but instead be grateful that you have a family and/or that you have a washing machine. These are blessings! Or what about when we complain about the weather? What’s the point wasting negative energy on something we have no control over.
Make a conscious decision to stop this unproductive habit of grumbling. You honor God when “in everything you do, you stay away from complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14).
5. Treat today as if it were yours or your loved ones last day
It’s hard to live like this is yours or your loved ones last day on earth, but the truth is it could be. We are not guaranteed life even for the next moment.
I will never forget the last time I saw my mother alert. I was super stressed that day and I was rushing her to her doctor’s appointment and back home before I had to rush off to pick up my children from elementary school. I dropped her off and casually said “I love you.” The next morning she went into intensive care, was put on a respirator and was pretty much in a coma. She died three days later.
It took me a long time to forgive myself for being so stressed and so rushed on what turned out to be my last moments (where she was conscious) with my dear precious mother. I can never get those moments back.
Life is truly precious, and we need to handle it with respect (tweet this).
This includes each and every person the Lord has blessed your life with.
I believe that one of the most inspiring moments will be the moment we are on our death beds. I think this will be a time of reflection, when our whole life will pass before us. How we handled our relationships and how we treated others will be probably the most important thing on our hearts.
The only way to not have any regrets at the end of our lives, is to live today intentionally, making the best of each and every moment that’s been given to us.
So, as I wiped my tears away, remembering a season that will never come back again, I was inspired to reflect on that time with gratitude but also to keep focusing on what I have been blessed with right now, this very moment. And I find my heart warm up and a big smile come upon my face.
I thank God for allowing me to live another day here on earth with my loved ones. I also thank Jesus for dieing for me so that I can have eternal life with Him (1 John 5:13).
Please leave me a comment below on any lessons you have learned from your past to encourage your today?
“But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow.” ~ James 1:17
Photo 1 Credit: Getty Images
Photo 2 Credit: Getty Images
Vicki says
Beautiful words, Tweeny! Thank you for the reminders. Love you and hope you feel better soon.
tweenyrandall says
Vicki,
Thank you for your encouragement. Love you too. 🙂
Jessica says
Our attitude does matter in regards to our circumstances. How often we forget to give thanks in all circumstances. Thank you for blessing us with words of wisdom the midst of pain and discomfort. That speaks volume to your readers. Love and prayers for a quick recovery.
tweenyrandall says
Jessica,
I agree that our attitude matters so much and if we can just be grateful through all situations we will be better off. Thank you for your continuous support! And thank you for your prayers! Love you~
Sharon says
Soooo true, Tweeny!! Timely words of wisdom, no matter what season of life we are in. Hope your back heals quickly!
tweenyrandall says
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your feedback. I really appreciate it! 🙂
Rachel says
Very encouraging. This reminds me of how important it is to clear up any arguments or conflicts I have with people as soon as possible because it might be my last moment with them. Thanks mama r. <3
tweenyrandall says
Rachel dear,
You are so sweet! Thanks for your encouragement. And very good point you make! It’s so important to resolve any conflict ASAP. We don’t know what may happen the next moment and you may not get the opportunity. Thanks for pointing this out! Love you~
Lolly says
Thank you for these important words, important reminders. It is only with Jesus that I can let go of yesterday and appreciate today! Praying for your healing sweet sister!
tweenyrandall says
Dear Lolly,
Thanks for your continuous support of my writing! You are right, it’s only with Jesus’s help can we let go of our mistakes and live in today. Thanks for your prayers sis. Love you~