Focusing on TODAY

At the most random of times, I find myself thinking of the future.  Sometimes it's a passing thought.  Other times, I'm consumed by it and even catch myself worrying about it.  Even though it has yet to come.  

Earlier this week as I was getting ready in the morning, I caught myself focusing on a task that I will have to complete in AUGUST.  August!!!  It's nearly two months away.  When I realized what I was thinking about (and even beginning to worry about), I smiled and reshifted my focus back to TODAY.  

And as I continued getting ready for my day, I opened up my devotional.  "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.  And the words on the page spoke directly to my heart and mind.  

{"You are my beloved child.  I chose you before the foundation of the world, to walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you.  Concentrate on keeping in step with Me, instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you.  If you trust that My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, you can relax and enjoy the present moment. 

Your hope and your future are rooted in heaven, where eternal ecstasy awaits you.  Nothing can rob you of your inheritance of unimaginable riches and well-being.  Sometimes I grant you glimpses of your glorious future, to encourage you and spur you on.  But your main focus should be staying close to Me.  I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes." } 

I literally stopped in my tracks when I read the line...

"Concentrate on keeping in step with me, instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you."  

Ugh.  Nothing like an early morning punch to the gut in the form of conviction.  My mind was wandering towards thoughts beyond today.  Beyond the here and now.  I was stopped right in my tracks.  Encouraged to stop...and focus on today.  

And what a good reminder: to trust God and trust His plans for my life.  

Right now.

Tomorrow.

6-months from now.

In thirty more years.  

Life is so precious.  Why allow myself to get so caught up in the unknowns of the future?  Why worry about the things that are totally out of my control?  Why not stop and refocus in those moments of worry and anticipation and remind myself that God truly IS in control?  I'm thankful for those little reminders in life (like the devotional I read that morning) that teach us valuable lessons and keep our mind centered on the more important stuff of life.