"Grasping the Moment: Turning Days into Gifts"

 

One year ago yesterday, I wrote these words:

"The present time has one advantage over every other — it is our own." — Charles Caleb Colton

Today, I recognize that I don’t always reflect deeply enough on what it means to have just today as my own.

Like many of us, I often move through my days with a constant list of "to-dos" and "should-dos." I manage to progress through 18 hours with little concern for my mental or physical health. The result is a shelf full of days, each one simply bookended by daylight and sunsets.

But the question arises: Is this enough?

Today, the answer was no.

Rather than reaching for my smartphone first thing, I chose to begin differently: I prayed, listened to talks from BYU devotionals, and now — I’m writing here, in this blog. The gifts I received by doing so were unexpected: fresh thoughts on how to change my outlook and become better than I am.

Here’s what today’s experience reminded me:

• Start your day with an affirmation that we are all children of a loving God. No matter how the day goes, our Heavenly Father wants the best for us and, through His Son, provides guidance in His service.

• Keep a journal to record moments of God’s goodness. Write down instances where you felt the hand of kindness or the voice of comfort. These are the works of God — and they are worthy of our gratitude.

• Study scripture and seek out blessings to see how they may apply to you today. Faith isn't just for ancient times; it is for the moments you are living right now.

Experts in recovery, great philosophers, and spiritual leaders all echo the same reminder: the present moment is infinitely precious.

Consider these guiding thoughts:

"Today, I seek not just sobriety, but also a deeper honesty with myself and with God, trusting that truth is the foundation of my recovery." — 12-Step Reflection

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." — Mahatma Gandhi

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." — John 4:23

"Each new morning is a gift from God. Even the air we breathe is a loving loan from Him. He preserves us from day to day and supports us from one moment to another. Therefore, our first noble deed of the morning should be a humble prayer of gratitude." — Teachings of Russell M. Nelson

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So there you have it — a simple, yet profound approach for changing the “titles” on your shelf of life.

Start small. Begin with one morning. Choose to grasp the moment.

God bless you today and always.