One day at a time.
I have often heard this phrase, and I was nearly taking it for granted. Waiting to give birth to my second child is reminding me again to just take one day at a time. No guessing or preparing or amount of spicy food is going to predict when baby will arrive. Reflecting on this, I was reminded of a few points that can help me focus on the value of each and every day and the importance of living each moment to the best of my ability, for Christ.
The Daily Decalogue of Pope John XXII is a beautiful and thoughtful list that points out things to focus on “only for today.” He ends the reflection with this powerful phrase: “Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.” I can relate to that thought; looking too far into the future and imagining living every moment at my very best can seem overwhelming and exhausting! But yet if I simplify the tasks and use just the time given me today, I can more easily achieve those goals. The 10 statements can be found online, but here are a few of my favorites:
“Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.”
All 10 are wonderful points of reference throughout the day to help our human weakness strive for holiness.
Another phrase stands out to me when thinking about living one day at a time, written by Thomas à Kempis in “The Imitation of Christ” – “Blessed is he who keeps the moment of death ever before his eyes and prepares for it every day” (chapter 23). When I first read this, years ago, it caught me off guard. However, it is true! We are living on earth with the hope and promise of one day living forever with the Lord. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, and as St. Francis de Sales reminds us, “Remember that the present day is given to you in order to gain the future day of eternity. Make a firm purpose to employ the day well for this purpose.”
Turning to these words helps me accept each day positively with peace and purpose.