Mother, An Insert and Commentary

As I write these lines for The Informer, it is dark and rainy outside, and my mind harks back to my mother and the encouragement she would give me. I think she knew that we all need bolstering at times. She has been gone over 25 years, but her words and works continue. When I was in my first full-time work, she would write to me regularly and would of- ten insert a saying, a poem, or a story in her informative letters. I would read them, then place them in an appropriate file, according to subjects. She must have been kin to Barnabas, the son of exhortation because she did a great deal of encouraging. Her advice was always sound. In a letter dated January 4, 1977, she inserted what I am reprinting below. The author is not named.

JUST FOR TODAY

  1. JUST FOR TODAY, I will try to live through this day only, and not set far-reaching goals to try to overcome all my problems at once. I know I can do something for 12 hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

  2. JUST FOR TODAY, I will try to be happy. Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” He was right. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. I will chase them out of my mind and replace them with happy thoughts.

  3. JUST FOR TODAY, I will adjust myself to what is. I will face reality. I will try to change those things I can change and accept those things I cannot change.

  4. JUST FOR TODAY, I will try to improve my mind. I will not be a mental loafer. I will force myself to read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.

  5. JUST FOR TODAY, I will exercise my soul in three ways. I will do a good deed for somebody – without letting them know it. (If they find out I did it, it won’t count.) I will do at least two things that I know I should do but have been putting off. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

  6. JUST FOR TODAY, I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk softly, act courteously, and speak ill of no one. Just for today, I’ll not try to improve anybody except myself.

  7. JUST FOR TODAY, I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it, thereby saving myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

  8. JUST FOR TODAY, I will have a quiet half-hour to relax alone. During this time, I will reflect on my behavior and will try to get a better perspective of my life.

  9. JUST FOR TODAY, I will not be afraid. I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions. I will expect nothing from the world, but I will realize that as I give to the world, the world will give to me.

Though no verses are sprinkled in the above resolutions of the author, they are undoubtedly Bible-based. Several verses come to my mind as I meditate on the above goals. The apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he wrote the church at Philippi, a very uplifting letter. Now, think about where he was: He was in prison. One would think that the brethren would have been writing him letters to encourage him; however, he was writing to support them! How could a man be so upbeat who had been beaten down so much? What an example for you and me. Thus, he wrote: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8.) What is above is attributed to Lincoln; these may or may not have been his words, but they are true.“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” You see, it is all in a state of mind. If anyone had rea- sons to become bitter and soured on the world, Paul would be at the top of the list. Yet, he is an exhorter, an encourager, an edifier. Fill your mind with good thoughts.

In writing to the church at Rome, Paul said, “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” (Rom. 15:3.) The context in which this verse is lifted is discussing matters of judgment and considering the weaker brother. What we have the right to do may not be beneficial to another. Jesus is our example. His life was a life of service and sacrifice. A wayward brother once told me that he was tired of trying to please others; he was going to please himself. What a pitiful com- mentary on a sad life! Such is one hundred and eighty degrees opposite of our Lord. In that same context, Paul had said earlier: “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Rom. 14:7-8.) You see, my friend, it is not all about you or me, but others.

And then, I must take time to reflect on my own life. Did not Paul command the brethren at Corinth to do this? “But let a man examine himself....” (1 Cor. 11:28.) “Examine your-selves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Cor. 13:5.) That is a herculean task. I am well able to see the defects and shortcomings of others. I can spot them right away. Oh, the wise man was right: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: But the Lord pondereth the hearts.” (Prov. 21:2.)

Think on these things.