One day at a time. Each day.

This is how I strive to live. I’m not always successful, but I have made a lot of progress. I began learning this routine a couple of years ago when I knew that any day might be Wyndham’s last. So, I strove to make each day the best it could possibly be. This practice gave me a new perspective on daily life, even though I should have always held that perspective. It was a good way to live then, and it is a good way to live now. In so many ways, this perspective has helped prepare me for this strange time, when one day blurs into another.

Today, I can choose to be grateful. Today, I can choose to be filled by God. Today, I can choose to set my mind on things above. Today, I can give and serve. I can do this today. And then again tomorrow, I can do this today.

There is a reason that Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today, our daily bread” (Mt 6:11). There is a reason that God gave manna to the Israelites; a food that lasted for one day. There is a reason the word “manna” means “what is it?”  According to hebrewuniversity.com, “When the heavenly bread began to rain down, in the original Hebrew the people of Israel asked: “Ma’n Hu?” {?מן הוא} – English for “what is it?” and that is the origin of the name “manna” (In Hebrew the name is “man” {מן}).”

Many “rainy” days of late, we are also tempted to ask “What is it?” We often don’t understand what these days of isolation will mean, but we can be assured we are given enough to meet our needs, one day at a time. We can choose our responses to the challenges of each day, difficult though they may be. The hard thing about life is that it is just so “daily.” How will I navigate this “today” that I am given? In reality, today is the only day I know I have (James 4:13-15), so I must be content for this day. Today, I can choose to graze the green pastures and walk beside the still waters described in Psalm 23. Please watch this short meaningful video describing the reality of the green pastures spoken of in Psalm 23.

I realize, when viewing through Middle Eastern eyes, just how close I must stay to the shepherd. As God’s sheep, I am not just plopped down into a lush field, but I am lovingly led to what I need for today. Even in trials. This keeps me tied to a relationship with the shepherd, and keeps me close enough to hear Him. No wonder God longs for us to stay close to Him. He knows what happens when we wander. David makes this plea in Psalm 95:7 (RSV)

For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would hearken to his voice!

Hearing his voice allows us to live each day to the full.

Last year I wrote a book about daily choices we face in life. If you are looking for a book to read, I hope this might offer you some hope while living each day to the full. I just clicked on the link and discovered it’s over half off right now – $4.99. https://ipibooks.ecwid.com#!/Every-Day-Is-a-New-Chance/p/94782189

Also, two new books are coming soon. I’ll let you know when soon.

For those still desiring to attend a “Navigating Home: Finding Your Place to Belong” workshop mentioned in my last blog, two sessions (one in the morning and one in the evening) are now in full swing. We have completed two sessions, and I am inspired by the lives of the women involved. When these are over in May, I plan to offer it again, so stay tuned.

May you have a beautiful day in your green pasture, staying close to the shepherd.