TNT

One of my Chiropractic mentors talks about “today, not tomorrow.” The bible teaches us not to worry because God has us taken care of, that all we need to focus on is today. Self help gurus all talk about present time consciousness. In other words, focus on the now, right now, this moment, this instant, today, not tomorrow.

So often in life, I have thought about what tomorrow will bring. American society is so focused on the future, it is no wonder we have people selling us “life” insurance, “health” insurance or insurance for anything you can dream of. Take this or that, use this or that. But the people who are truly trying to help us are often brushed aside.

I’ve heard many say “I take it one day at a time” but their actions prove otherwise. I am by no means a master at the art of today, yet. In fact many who know me will likely tell you that I to am a worrier. It is because we in America fail to understand what true happiness is. It is so interesting having spent time in a “third world country” just how little people in other parts of the world worry. Many of them didn’t have clothes, shoes, running water or sanitation. Yet they didn’t worry. They have each other, they help each other. They were truly focused on today, not tomorrow. They have no cares for the stock market or the price of gas. They don’t worry about Medicare or if they’ll pay cash or by bank loan for their BMW. What they need will be there.

Sure they don’t have many of those things we do and that is exactly my point. We do(!) and we still worry about tomorrow. Our focus in America is on tomorrow, not today.

But how can you translate that into your life? Help another person. Give your love to another. Give away your true love, not love in a Hallmark card. Give something away, the shirt off your back, a dollar bill, your time. Visit someone in hospice care. And don’t do it now “because it is the holidays,” do it in June or July when you want to kick back by the pool. If you need help in the field of giving, I find the parable of the rich young ruler of service.

I have found the more I have done for others the more I have brought my focus into today and not much on tomorrow. Sure there are other places you can look and work on also. But, this is as good a place to start as any. As I have, all my necessities have been taken care of. I’ve learned to worry less. Without question, I have my moments, but I realize them faster and am able to get back on track sooner instead of dwelling. My focus continues to zero in on Today, Not Tomorrow.

Who are you giving to today?