Last night, before turning in, I took a few minutes and reviewed my calendar. With only a few weeks of school remaining, I was greatly anticipating the coming shift that will usher in summer.

I am ever so thankful we started school when we did. I would be very displeased right about now if we had to go until June. I feel compassion towards those that have no choice on the matter! "Spring fever" has hit our home with a vengeance!

As I sat with the calendar, I found myself smiling at the coming events; supper with friends, an egg hunt, two theater plays, and a Spring camp-out, to name a few. Mixed in with family fun events, I have two meetings that I hold very dear to my heart with much anticipation.

Within minutes, I found myself no longer anticipating the assortment of events, but lamenting that they were not already here! What I sensed was subtle, yet corrupting. So, I shut the calender, pulled out my journal, and wrote to the Lord. In part what I wrote was "You know, Lord, it is a sad affair to wish one's life way.... Sometimes, like right at this moment, I fall into the trap. Lord, I chose right here -- right now -- to be grateful for THIS moment....." It was a wonderful re-grounding and a healthy way to close out a great day.

Today as you begin your day, I pray you combat thoughts of "I can't wait until..." with words of gratitude for the "now moment". Certainly not all days are pleasant and rosy, but I do believe we have the capability to rise above the circumstances and look for God's handiwork in any given situation. You will not have the opportunity to relive the "now" -- so I implore you to focus on it in full. Good or unpleasant, experience it. Learn from it. Talk to the Lord about it. 'Tomorrow' will arrive soon enough and all that comes with it.

My son, just yesterday, said, "Mom, you know, I never thought 12 or 13 (years of age) would ever get here, but here I am -- and with it a whole lot of (welcomed) responsibilities." I have always believed him wise beyond his years, and here lately, he is proving it at every turn! He is time-managing very well these days as he wraps up school while effectively growing his lawn care business.

I had to smile. He gets it. One of our family's sayings, that used to be said often, is "Live in the moment." Those with children know they seem always focused on what comes next. As they eat lunch, they ask, "Can I go .... after this?" I need only say it rarely now, praise the Lord! It is deeply planted in their mind and soul after hearing it hundreds of times in years gone by. Every time they came at me with "what's next" -- I would give them these four little words. I think those four little words would do us all some good!

So today, "Live in the moment". Let God enjoy the "now" with you! The two of you don't have yesterday nor tomorrow (yet) ..... but you do have TODAY to share! ENJOY!

Love,
Deborah

I am first and foremost a daughter of the Most High. He has blessed me with three maturing children, ages 12 years old through 7 years old, and a Christian husband who is my best friend. I spend my days home schooling my children, tending the 'home front', exploring God's Word, and lifting up my fellow sisters in Christ. I have a tremendous appetite for the Lord's Word and a desire to know Him to deep depths. As for my fellow sisters in the Lord, I have a passion to see them walking out their destinies in Christ. In all things, Give Him Praise!

You can visit Deborah at www.joyinthemorning.com.