Just For Today

Most 12-step groups have a version of “Just For Today.”  It is a saying that reminds them that recovery is a series of choices that we make one day at a time.  When I think about all the things I want to see done in my life, it is overwhelming.  If your kids are young or still in the house, the prospect of leading them safely and successfully into adulthood is daunting.  Saving for retirement, remaining relevant in your career, and leaving a mark on the world are all goals that are intimidating.  I imagine this is how staying sober or clean for the next decade feels beyond someone early into recovery. 

No matter what ongoing struggle you are dealing with, you don’t have to resolve it today.  The big challenges of your life won’t be overcome on this day.  You won’t be finished with your big projects like raising children and sustaining a healthy marriage on Monday, June 3.  But just for today, you can choose to trust that God is faithful.  Just for today you can embrace hope.  Just for today you can believe that God is at work in ways that you can’t see and is growing you in ways that aren’t immediately visible.  Just for today you can trust that God loves your children more than you and that he is more committed to the success of your marriage than you.  Just for today you can make the courageous choice.  You can choose encouragement over gossip.  You can choose prayer over resentment.  You can choose to see the best rather than expect the worst.  Worry about tomorrow tomorrow.  Just for today you can rest in God’s promises.