The problem with living in tomorrow is that you miss out on today. I say this from a place of experience; it’s like I’m always looking forward instead of being in the moment.
Though it may not sound drastically dangerous, there is an emotional weight that is carried each day, each week, each month that passes.
When I finish college, then I’ll live the life I wanted. When I move out, then life will happen. When I find a man and get married, then I’ll be happy. When I get the promotion, then everyone will respect me. When I have a child, then I’ll be fulfilled. When I write that book, then I’ll matter. When I get divorced, then I’ll be happy. When the adoption is finalized, then we’ll be a family. When I quit my job, then they’ll really know who was the star.
But the truth is, until you’re content with today, you won’t be content tomorrow.
Some teachers speak from years of tenure and experience. The only thing I can stand upon is lived experience. I hate to confess this, but the past two years has been filled with when and then statements. When I go here, then life will make sense. When I do this, then it’ll be perfect. When I move there, then it’ll be content. I don’t have this issue wrapped in a pretty red bow, nor can I talk about this like it’s passed. I’m currently learning with how to deal with the when and then statements of my life.
Paul writes to young Timothy in his first letter to him and says, Godliness with contentment is great gain. Wow, a simple remedy for a societal ill even today. Let me break it down this way:
Godliness [having great reverence for God] + Contentment [attitude of gratitude] = Great Gain
The Italians have this phrase, domani sarà migliore, tomorrow it will be better. But instead, I want to believe that today—right now—la vita è bella. Because really, life is beautiful.
What about you? Are you celebrating and rejoicing in today or living in the allure of tomorrow?
Preach it!
I just stopped looking at flats to rent in America to read this – ’cause, you know, when I live in America then I’ll be happy and living the life I’m meant to live. I’ll meet my husband and then I will be accepted and ‘normal’.
And now, I’m going to go cry. 😉
(and, for the record, I WILL be happy when you are finally sitting opposite me in a coffee shop (same table, don’t start with me!) and we are putting the world to rights – you can’t convince me differently)
Wow. You got me. That’s me every day. “It’ll be better when…” all the time. Definitely need to be more thankful for the right now. Thanks Bianca!!! Blessings to you! 🙂
Living today to its fullest is a challenge to the 21st century beings………. but you just reminded us of an age long solution; godliness + contentment!
god help us to apply this!
Perfect timing! I was just thinking about how I do this. Thanking God for the blessing of today is the best remedy. To purpose to say, ‘This is the day that the LORD has made I will rejoice & be glad in it’. Also, I find that I have to constantly remind myself that Christ is the prize, nothing else will suffice. Evan Wickham has a great song call ‘living for the Heavenlies’. Singing that is a great reminder of what we are made to love for. Thanks for sharing! Once again, I am glad to know I’m not the only one.
Oh, how I can relate to this! Especially during this season when I’m always looking ahead to figure out how to best execute the crazy schedule, I so often forget to enjoy the moment and be content with today.
When it comes to practicing contentment, I’m right there with you: “It’s a conscious decision I need to make every day.”
In some ways, it becomes an expression of daily taking up my cross…choosing to be content with and trust in Christ today rather than getting caught up in the what ifs, hopes, and plans of tomorrow.
This reminds me of a favorite song line: “It’s wanting what you’ve got, not having what you want.”
Okay, Monday goal: Enjoy Today.
Wow, just praying about this yesterday as I’m in the between stage, but I guess I shouldn’t see it as an “in between” stage, rather carpe diem for the Lord!! 🙂
definitely needed to hear this…i feel like i am in constant planning mode..just spinning but going no where…
I struggle with the same thing. I’m always looking to the future, and I have a hard time focusing on the present. thanks for this post. Good topic.
This is very true. It’s often really hard for me to even see the goodness of today because I have my eyes firmly fixed on the goals of tomorrow. Ah…being a type A achiever sort of person has it’s limitations. Thanks for the reminder that yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised so planting my feet AND my heart in the joys of today is my spiritual act of worship!
I am with you sista….still learning this lesson. Perhaps it is a lifelong pursuit because nothing this world has to offer can satisfy like Christ. Maybe that is why we all long for tomorrow.
Nicely said. He makes all things new in the morning, I am slowly learning to la worry down and enjoy each day.
I was in a car accident on Sunday morning on the way to church, yes, the devil has such nerves…anyways, it makes you see life from a different standpoint.
Enjoy everyday life and enjoy it now.
I’m just passing by to say, that I love what you do, your ministry, your writing, and that you inspire me.
-A homeschooled seventeen year-old that is finishing up highschool fast in order to get further on her way to being just like Bianca Juarez.
Hahahaha! I love it! You are too precious 🙂
Thank you! I definitely needed this reminder today!
thank you!! I am in the stage right now!!!!!!
thank you for breaking down that verse also!
Clearly this is a current theme – I recently wrote an article for our women’s ministry newsletter on this very topic. We have to learn to appreciate and enjoy the here and now. We’re not promised anything else. And how much we miss out on when we’re just looking for something in the future. How often do we look back fondly on the things that happened here and now? Yet maybe we didn’t even enjoy it at the time.