You have probably heard the phrase “Live for today” or “Live like there is no tomorrow.” That suggests looking at the rest of the day and/or tomorrow and making the best of it. It might mean doing what you want to do and not holding back. That is not the approach that I am taking with this blog.
This evening, after work, I got out and ran 3 miles. It was chilly, so I bundled up and headed out the door. As I started the run, I was thinking about the day and recapping it in my mind. I thought about what I still wanted to accomplish, but quickly put the thought in the back of my mind, rounded the corner at the end of the block and headed down the street. I was feeling pretty good about how my legs were feeling at the start of the run. I had strained a muscle in my right calf on a run a couple of weeks ago and I was just getting back to running again.
The more I thought about my legs feeling good, I thanked God for the ability to run the distances that I do. I turn 61 next week and am enjoying some of the best health of my life. I owe it all to God. I have not taken good care of my body over the years and have been overweight for most of it. I started running a little over 7 years ago to lose the weight and participated in a diet program this past year to get rid of the last of the excess. As I live for today, I am thankful for God’s direction and support in my weight loss journey.
As I ran, I thought about a trip to Ireland that I took in 2019. Our tour group went to see the Cliffs of Moher. We had the option of taking the bus all the way to the cliffs and sightsee in that area or to be let off about 5 miles short of the cliffs and hike to them. I took the hike. By the time I got to the cliffs, I did not have much time to take in the view before the bus was ready to leave. I was so blessed, though, to have the opportunity to wander the countryside along the coast and just appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. As I live for today, I am aware of all the blessings and memories that God has filled my mind with.
I turned around at the halfway point of my run and thought about my dear friend, Cathy. I have had a lot of setbacks in my life and have bounced back from them and have grown closer to God with each turn of events. She has told me for several years that I must truly be in God’s favor since after each setback, I come back stronger and better off. I believe I am just more appreciative of what I have, and it uplifts my outlook on life. As I live for today, I think about my walk with God. I have leaned on Him and relied on His will instead of my own and am reaping the benefits.
God is with me today. He will never leave my side. I need to live for today with Him. How are you “living for today”? I will leave you with one thought to concentrate on today from Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
