Making Today Count, Because It Does

In yesterday’s post I shared my struggle in appreciating each day as the gift it is during these past three months. I felt like I attempted to make each day count, but I don’t think I did very well. I don’t remember much of April, and May? Well, that was nearly a blur. This month, however, I decided to get intentional about each day. In focused on living in the moment and in making today count. Because it does.

It’s time to get intentional in making today count, because it does.

I see in scripture God references life in days. We pray He gives us our “daily bread.” He blesses us with the sun rising and the sun setting each day. He gave manna to the Israelites in the desert, just enough for each day. God gives us one day at a time, and each day has a beginning and an end. I read recently where someone called a day a “miniature life.” A day is precious to God and it’s likely precious to us. We aren’t guaranteed another one and there will never be another day like today.

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 TLB

Today most definitely counts.

In small ways I’m doing what I can to appreciate each 24 hours I’m given. Here are five things I’m doing this month.

5 Ways I’m Making Today Count

1. Beginning each day with God.

Starting the day with my devotional, my Bible, and my YouVersion Bible reading plans get the day going on the right foot for me. Praying for God to align my day according to His plans and purposes, and asking the Holy Spirit to be in charge of my thoughts, my calendar, my attitude, and the every-day moments continues to fill me with hope, purpose, and joy daily. These activities help me begin a new day, focused on today, not tomorrow or yesterday. Making today count.

2. Writing down a Bible verse that speaks to me in the morning to carry with me through the day.

This practice helps me when life doesn’t go as planned. Which is often. When frustrations or disappointments arise in my day, I return to the verse I wrote in my journal or on my phone that morning. I often share it in my Instagram stories so it’s easily accessible. This is also helping me memorize scripture, and it’s amazing how my attitude changes when I recite God’s Words! This has been a profound way of making today count!

3. Refusing to let anything or anyone steal my joy.

A reality I’ve noticed is this: people and things can try to steal my joy. Maybe not intentionally, but nonetheless, they can. I sometimes have to whisper to myself, “This is not going to steal my joy. God’s joy lives within me.” Making today count involves keeping that joy intact whenever possible. My joy affects others, so I want to keep it shining bright. Especially on the dark days.

4. Keeping my eyes lifted, while keeping my nose to the grindstone.

I want to work hard. I have dreams and goals and plans I want to see come to life. The thing is, they won’t happen if I’m not willing to work. So, keeping my nose to the grindstone is important, yet it’s not the most important. I’m keeping my eyes lifted and my ears in tune to Heaven. What’s that saying? I don’t want to be so busy making a living that I forget to make a life. I desire God’s plans for my life, in every part of my life. His plans are best for me. Making today count is working while paying attention to His leading.

5. Journaling at the end of the day, writing down where I saw God throughout the day.

This is key. As I experienced the last three months, days ran into one another. I couldn’t remember if it was Wednesday or the weekend. Writing down the “God-instances,” or the “living in the moment” occurrences each day has helped increase my thankfulness and has widened the gap from one day to the next. Now the days don’t seem to mush together as much as they did in April.

I’m only 10 days into these practices, so I certainly haven’t mastered them yet. I know I won’t carry them out perfectly, but so far, I am seeing some results. The days aren’t flying by quite as fast, as I’m pausing more to live in the moment. I want more of those kinds of moments in my day. Maybe you do, too.

Friend, how can you incorporate more “live in the moment” kind of moments in your day, in your life? In what ways are you making today count? How are you keeping the days from blending together? How are you considering today important? I’d love to discuss this more in the comments below.

In the meantime, thanks for stopping over for a few minutes today. I’m glad we got to share a few of the “live in the moment” moments together today. God bless you!

Much love,