A blog where women are inspired and encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Today Well Lived...

My dad, a quiet southern gentleman, is an avid story teller and a very loving father. I cherish the times when he gently holds my hand, looks into my eyes, and says “I love you, angel”, or simply sits next to me on the couch and softly tickles the back of my neck...letting me know, without words, how much he cares for me.

He called the other day with some not-so-good news...he was just diagnosed with leukemia. He’s already had two extensive open-heart surgeries and is a diabetic. He’ll be going to the hemotologist next week to see what treatment the doctor will recommend. I’d really appreciate your prayers for both my dad and mom...it’s a scary time. I’d also ask you to pray for my three sisters and myself...

  When I was very young, my grandfather (my dad’s dad) required my older sister and me to memorize a poem. God has used it often to encourage me throughout the years. As I’ve gotten older and have begun to see how very precarious and fleeting our current phase of life is, it reminds me to “be present” and live today well...we never know what tomorrow will bring.  And yet, ultimately, I do know...I will be living throughout eternity with my dad and mom in the presence of our sweet, and perfect, and powerful King Jesus!  Yes!

To the best of my memory, it goes like this:

Look to this day for it is life; the very life of life.
For in its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence;
The bliss of growth, the glory of action, the splendour of achievement.
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow, only a vision.
But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow, a vision of hope.
Look well therefore, to this day.

~ Kalidasa ~

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24
Thank you for your prayers.
Love and blessings,                                        
Mary


2 comments:

  1. You and I have more than just Jesus and migraines in common. I may be facing the same thing with my Dad. God knows how to use you when I need encouragement; and I pray he uses me to encourage you.

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  2. Beautiful! We will be praying for you all. Love you!

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