We only have NOW!

I recall realizing when my oldest son turned 16, that he was now a driver, and that he was only on loan to me.  That epiphany hit me hard! I was permitted the pleasure of giving birth, caring for him, playing and teaching, but he really belonged to God.  And from this point forward, although I was still his mother and he would still come to me for some things, he was beginning to spread his wings. I remember telling God,  “but I’m not done with him yet! I need more time!”

I sit here reflecting on those memories as I lift up my dear friend in prayer because he has just lost his aging father. And he would dearly love more time with him!  I don’t think it matters how long we have them, we still just want more time. And as I anticipate the birth of my first grandchild I understand that no matter how young or old they are, they are only on loan to us.  Parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors – all have been loaned to us to care for and nurture and love!

We don’t get MORE time. We only have NOW!  Only in the NOW can we choose to spend the time on things that will bring us only good memories and no regrets.  Only in the NOW can we choose love and joy and lasting relationships.  My physical body is only on loan to me, too.  This is MY now!

I will greet this day with love in my heart. And how will I confront each whom I meet? In only one way. In silence and to myself I will address him and say I Love You. Though spoken in silence these words will shine in my eyes, unwrinkle my brow, bring a smile to my lips, and echo in my voice; and his heart will be opened. And who is there who will say nay to my goods when his heart feels my love? I will greet this day with love in my heart. And most of all I will love myself. For when I do I will zealously inspect all things which enter my body, my mind, my soul, and my heart. Never will I overindulge the requests of my flesh, rather I will cherish my body with cleanliness and moderation. Never will I allow my mind to be attracted to evil and despair, rather I will uplift it with the knowledge and wisdom of the ages. Never will I allow my soul to become complacent and satisfied, rather I will feed it with meditation and prayer. Never will I allow my heart to become small and bitter, rather I will share it and it will grow and warm the earth. I will greet this day with love in my heart. Henceforth will I love all mankind. From this moment all hate is let from my veins for I have not time to hate, only time to love.

Mandino, Og. The Greatest Salesman in the World (pp. 61-62). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Today is only on loan! Make it just a simple day of NOW!