What was the most important thing you did yesterday? Maybe it was just getting up and going to work, or maybe you had a good conversation with someone, or found an opportunity to help another in need. Maybe you don’t know that it was a kind word you said or a message you sent to someone who needed it, or another action with unintended consequences that turned out well. If you asked God what the most important thing you did yesterday, would you get the same answers? He has the benefit of seeing years down the road and may know that a small thing, or something that seemed bad initially may be the thing that turns into great good in the end. We don’t always know the long term consequences of our actions, whether good or bad, and how they turn out. But we can choose to live guided by His Word and Spirit and each day we have opportunities to engage with others will be a good day, even if we still don’t know the long term results of our actions.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
I sometimes question how productive I am with the time that I have each day, each week, and each year that goes by. I seek to be all that I can be each day, but sometimes selfishness and unexpected distractions and other things can get in the way of our best laid plans. I don’t always think each day goes the best it could have, but still try to make the best of it. I sometimes have to reprioritize what I had planned and some things I thought were important don’t always get done. Sometimes, we may have a chance to have a conversation with a friend, a child, or a stranger that can help them or even us on our way as well. What is your response when things don’t go as you had planned?
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
When we are young, we may think we have decades ahead of us to do what God wants of us. When we are in our retirement years, we may think we have squandered opportunities we had early on and may not get again. Regardless of where we are in life, we can make the most of it today. As they say, we are not guaranteed a tomorrow. If we knew we only had a week or a year left to live, would you change what you planned to do today? We each have opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others each day by our words and actions. If you struggle seeing that each day, ask God to give you opportunities and guide you in what to do in each interaction. It may not be the same for everyone, but it might be also. May you be blessed in each attempt, even if it doesn’t turn out how you thought it would.
And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11
Yours in Christ,
Clark
