SINCERELY SCOTTY by Walter Scott: Today

“The most important things in life aren’t things.” – Illinois First Christian Church   

We have all heard that old adage, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”  And it should be quite obvious that it is so very true.  But knowing that, how do you feel about it?  Are you happy about it or sad?  What then, does this day, the day you are reading this mean to you?  Could you get up in the morning and say, “This is best day of my life, ever”?

For most of us, we get up in the morning preparing to go off for another day’s work and rarely give the day any further thought.  Those of us, who are retired, get up and face our own routine, perhaps a cup of coffee, read the paper, and then do whatever comes to mind.  But in either case do we stop and really give this new day any serious thought?  Sadly, I for one, have not. 

Twelve years ago I experienced great sadness, but I also experienced great happiness.  While I lost my wife and companion of 45 years, I found someone else to share what time I may have left.  I have learned new lessons for my new life.  Things are less important; people, life, love and happiness, one’s faith – the intangibles are what really are important. 

But all too often, we don’t stop to thank God for our wife or family or loved ones.  And we certainly don’t thank him for the day or what He has already given us.  We simply accept things as they are. 

When my wife was being ravaged by cancer and each day was filled with sadness, a friend sent me the item I am now passing on to you.  I can now look back with more understanding and can appreciate what this item means:      

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever.   There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did!  And because I did I’m going to celebrate!  Today, I’m going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.  I will go through this day with my head held high and a happy heart.  I will marvel at God’s seemingly simple gifts:

Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice. 

Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people.  I’ll make someone smile. I’ll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don’t even know.  

Today, I’ll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down.  I’ll tell a child how special he is, and I’ll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don’t have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me.  

I’ll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.
     And tonight, before I go to bed, I’ll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life.
     And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

There are times, I must admit, when I question my ability to say and do these things, but I know in my heart that my life would be better if I could live by these statements.   If we left the house each morning with the feeling that “today is the best day of our life” people around us would catch on and more lives would be refreshed.  Perhaps it would help if we simply thanked God for each day. 

Sincerely, Scotty   

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