Why Today Matters
We have all heard the saying – live like today is your last day on earth. While that is easy to say, it is not a realistic thing to ascribe to. The reason is simple – we have obligations, commitments, relationships and jobs. What happens if we decide to live the abandon that the mantra suggests? We may not be able to eat tomorrow – We may not have a job, a house, or many of the other necessary things.
Living like there is no tomorrow is reckless and not something people can reasonably do. But… what if we tapped into some of that “recklessness and abandon” without falling off the deep end and losing or giving away everything?
Let me explain – Yesterday is over and cannot be undone. Tomorrow is a hope but not promised. Today is our reality and we have to claim it for all it’s worth. But how do we reconcile the potential for tomorrow, with the absolute certainty of today and the need to live in the moment?
One of the great quotes on this say, “Only put off till tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” Pablo Picasso. I love that quote and it really crystalizes the necessity and importance of today – why today matters.
So let me ask you a question – what are you not willing to leave undone, today, in light of the potential that tomorrow may not come? For me that is simple and here is my list –
- Love my wife! I want her to know that without doubt – she is the most loved woman on the planet and that her future is as secure as I can make it. Done
- The bills are paid. The last thing that I want her to worry about is whether the bills are paid – and they are. Done
- Writing – I feel like I needed to write today – specifically about this topic. I will not leave this undone today. Doing it now!
- Take care of my health – exercise. Done
- I want each family member to know that they are loved by me. Done!
There are other things that I need to get done today but if they do not happen today, I would not worry about it being left undone but the above things, really matter today – because today matters.
With the rest of the day before me – what else can I do to make the most of the day? It’s going to be a great day.
Now it is your turn – have you made the “cannot remain undone” list yet? If so, great. If not, then stop and do it now.
As I look back over what I have written today, I will tell you that this has challenged me. While I was writing the “cannot remain undone” list, I had to stop and do some of those very things. When I am done writing this post, I will go to work on what’s next.
What’s next for you?
May God richly bless you in all that you do. And always remember – #YOURLIFEMATTERS
Dr. Cliff
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