Just For Today

It's recently come to my attention that all of the areas of struggle in my life come down to one thing: self-control. If I had more of it, my life wouldn't be nearly as messy. I've got a strategy to get things cleaned up, but it's a little overwhelming. For example, thinking about funding my trip to Peru is too much to handle all at once. Losing weight...same thing. My brain just doesn't want to go there.

It's wonderful to have goals, and I have set some. I just have to keep reminding myself I can't get there in a day, and I don't have to.

Easier said than done. I'm an all-or-nothing kind of gal.

The Lord recently reminded me of Matthew 6:34:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

If I'm going to successfully lose weight, save money for Peru, finish the decluttering and other various projects, I have to focus on today. Yesterday is done, and tomorrow isn't here. I need only exercise self-control today.

You see, if I stop and think about sacrificing say, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or the newest Vera Bradley, for the next 6 months (or longer), I'll just want them all the more. When I realize I just have to give them up for today, I can do that (well, usually). When I slip, I think about it today only. By tomorrow, it will be yesterday & I won't be able to do a thing about it. I can let my mistakes go & move on, rather than rehashing them over and over while telling myself I'm nothing more than a failure.

Think about it. The "Just for Today" approach will work with anything...food, money, relationships, housework, time with God. It will help me live victoriously through Him, rather than becoming so easily frustrated & discouraged about things I can't control. I believe frustration & discouragement are two of the enemy's most powerful weapons against believers, and I'm tired of letting him win.

So, I started a Daily Goals Notebook with Matthew 6:34 written inside the front cover. During my quiet time each morning, I will pray about what the Lord wants me to accomplish that day and write it down. I know that He won't give me more than I can do. He will show me what's needed. It's His agenda rather than my own. From the household chores I tackle to the ministry opportunities I accept, I'm giving it all to Him. The things I want to do, and even the things I think should do, don't get done until I've finished what's on the list. Self-control.

I'm praying I can keep this up. That my life will be vastly different when I leave for Peru. And that I'll be able to look back and see how I got there...one day at a time.