"Just For Today"

            I have a tendency to get ahead of myself. I project into the future and imagine all kinds of things that could happen to me, my family, and my friends. It leads to worry and I’ve wasted a lot of time during my lifetime in this unproductive state of mind and emotion.

            As I was looking through some papers in my office last week, I came across this poem. I’ve had it for years and every once in a while I pull it out and it helps me put things in perspective. I don’t know when Kenneth L. Holmes penned the words, but it still applies today. Take a minute to read it and, hopefully, you’ll find it helpful too.

Just For Today

Kenneth L. Holmes

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, “ Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my circumstances as they come, and fit myself to them.

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don’t want to do—just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low, be courteous, criticize not one bit. I won’t find fault with anything, not try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.

Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.

Just for today, I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

Are you a worrier? Are you afraid of the future? Remember, God is already there. He wants us to take this day He’s given us and enjoy it. Let's trust Him-- just for today.

Have a great day!!