The Future

Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

I think we all contemplate the future at some point. We make plans. We save for a rainy day. Those who have children think about their education and their future successes. We look forward to events that will give us pleasure, such as birthdays, weddings, seeing friends and family, etc.

The future is a tenuous thing. In fact, when you really think about it the future is nothing but a promise and a hope. We’re only able to occupy and own one place in time – now. We can’t own the past and we can’t guarantee the future, but we’re able to do something about now.

Thinking about the future sometimes causes people to worry about the unknown and become anxious. Jesus clearly instructed us to take no thought for the morrow (the future). He qualified it by saying that sufficient for today is the evil thereof. You have enough problems to deal with today. You don’t need to start tackling tomorrow’s problems by worrying about things you scan’t control. When we lose sight of this, we start getting stressed. Stress leads to a myriad of other problems and ultimately a less than stellar quality of life. Getting worked up over the future, for good or ill, causes you to stop experiencing the present and all it has to offer. Your most precious moments can slip by and be lost in your quest for an uncertain future.

Relax. Let it go. Be present in this moment. Let the future take care of itself.

Writing 101, Day 20: The Future