One day at a time

       I have come to see many people come and go in my life, many prematurely.  I am not sure if it is my advancing age, maturity or working in a trauma center for so many years but I clearly have come to appreciate more fully living in the now. We are not guaranteed anything beyond today. Heck, beyond this moment. So in planning for the future one has to spend enough and enjoy life enough like there is no tomorrow and save enough and plan as if you'll live to a really ripe old age. Balance.

      The key to everything though is being present in the now, this day. If you live in the past or are too concerned about the future you miss this day, the present. The name present is quite apropos because right now is a present, a gift.  Right now we are graced with God alive in our lives, loving people, caring people and opportunities to love abundantly, forgive others and be forgiven.  Right now is awesome if we decide to just open our eyes, ears and heart to what is going on all around us. 

Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be your name. 

Your kingdom come.
   Your will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our debts,
     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
     but rescue us from the evil one.