I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. [Philippians 4:11-13 (HCSB)]
How often do we sigh, “If only …” (fill in the blank) followed by the phrase, “then I’d be happy”? That attitude only fosters a spirit of discontent. If we’re busy waiting for something special in the future, we miss out on the joys of today. We have 86,400 seconds to spend today; we won’t have them tomorrow and any we squandered yesterday in regret or dissatisfaction can’t be salvaged. Let’s not waste a single moment today!
Heavenly Father, while we’re looking forward to tomorrow‘s blessings, help us find happiness and contentment in our present circumstances. Instead of lamenting the past or dreaming about something different in the future, show us how to joyfully accept our lives as they are now.
Single days experienced fully add up to a lifetime lived deeply and well. Today is your life – not yesterday and not tomorrow. If we have tomorrow, it will be a gift, but what we have today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all our tomorrows. [From “Living a Beautiful Life” by Alexandra Stoddard]
Devotions of the Heart 