January 19, 2015 (Monday)
The NFL playoff games have been played and the stage is now set for the Superbowl, a word which was not in our vocabulary during the first half of my life. The conference champions have now been crowned and the world awaits the coronation of the top team.
Many sports enthusiasts can tell you who played and who won each Superbowl for nearly fifty years, but a lot of people are like me and can’t tell you who played or who won last year. Fame is fleeting.
The most meaningful thing for me that happened yesterday was the beautiful sunshine, heralding a nice day that encouraged people to attend church. After several weeks of bad weather Sundays, we finally had feel-good weather. Amazing that sunshine can lift the spirits.
Today is a new day. It offers many opportunities. It is a gift from the Lord, “the day the Lord made.” Dear Abby runs the “Just for Today” poem as each new year begins:
JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things I can correct and accept those I cannot.
JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.
JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be aggreable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I’ll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking.
JUST FOR TODAY, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.
JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit. If I am overweight, I will eat healthfully – if only just for today. And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it’s only around the block.
JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.