TODAY
Receiving a phone call with good news on the birth of a healthy baby, brings joyful tears to those who have awaited the baby’s arrival for a long time. There is excitement for new life and new beginnings. Then again, whilst life is celebrated, somewhere in the world, someone was receiving sad news. I realised that no matter who we are or where we live, what background we come from or whether we are educated or not, things happen that changes our world, whether good or bad. Do we know what will happen and when? No, not really. Yes, sometimes we get an alert, based on given facts, but most times, even with alerts, we are not really prepared for sad news.
A couple of year ago, I received a phone call, informing me that my mother had a severe stroke. In shock, I did not know what to do first. Yes, she was not well for some time, and yes, she had been in and out of hospital with pneumonia, but we never expected a stroke. We were not prepared for such a big shock and it left me numb all over my body. Decisions had to be made fast, having implications on our direct family, work and finances. We were not sure how severe the stroke was and just wanted to get to her as soon as possible, not knowing if she would live another day. I spent 7 hours on the road, praying and rethinking everything my brother had said.
Knowing what a severe stroke entails and with my brother’s feedback, I felt prepared as a I arrived at the hospital, or so I thought. Walking into the room, and seeing my strong mother, lying helplessly in bed, head swollen and an inability to speak, shocked me beyond words. I stayed strong, spoke with her alone and prayed with her, asking God to deposit what I had said, into her heart. She moved her eyes a few times, but after that, she was unconscious. I never again had the time to see those beautiful green eyes or hear her soft voice, calling my name. I never again had the opportunity to eat the lovely meals she always prepared with love. I never again received my every morning message to say, “have an enjoyable day.” I never again…….
A few years later, I received a phone call from my daughter, who was visiting in Cape Town. She sent us a picture of a positive pregnancy test and then the good news that we were going to be grandparents. Everyone told us how wonderful it is to be grandparents. I did some reading, research and off course, lots of shopping. I was well prepared and excited about the birth of our first grandchild. I was given the opportunity to be present throughout the birth process and when we were finally called into the room to hold our granddaughter, I was overwhelmed with joy, excitement and tears. Nothing could have prepared me for what I experienced.
Life is as such. We prepare ourselves for life, the best we can, based on what we read, see and hear from other people’s experiences. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, we don’t even know what will happen in the next couple of seconds. We think we do, but we don’t. The best preparation for life that we can have, is to be in Jesus Christ, who by the way, is the best Councillor, Guide and Healer. He is with us all the time (Joshua 1:5). He wants us to live in Him, trusting Him for our lives, future, and in every challenge that we need to face.
Today, you might be hurting because of challenges or sad news. Perhaps you are fearing the future. What about not being in a relationship with your family because of something that has happened? Whatever the challenges or circumstances, know today, that Jesus loves you and He has plans for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). The devil knows this and therefore, he is trying to make your life miserable, every single day.
Hebrews 4:7 says: “God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This He did when a long time later He spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.””
Dear reader, you have TODAY, and my question is, what will you do with TODAY? We have no guarantees of tomorrow. Today, go and make right with the ones you are not in a good standing with, starting with God. Say sorry, ask forgiveness and set people free. Open your heart for healing, spend time with Jesus and your loved ones. Tell people that you love them and what you appreciate about them. TODAY, choose to live, for tomorrow has no guarantees.
Love in Christ,
Princess K