A New Year . . . A New Perspective

While lying in a hospital bed, a man began to think: Just six months ago, I was strong and healthy. Unexpectedly, he heard a voice whisper, “That was then; this is now.” Next, the man thought: Just three months ago, I still had a job. Again, a voice whispered, “That was then; this is now.” Before long, the man’s thoughts turned to his finances: Just a few weeks ago, I had money in my bank account. And once more, a voice whispered, “That was then; this is now.”

There is a straightforward moral to this story. Because life is ever-changing, today may bear little resemblance to yesterday. When looking for that which is changeless, turn to God’s love. And when searching for that which is timeless, turn to the present moment. The present is the only time you can experience the peace of God; the only time you can receive God’s blessings. And if your mind and thoughts are focused on the past, you are ill-prepared to welcome divine gifts that may come today. Remember this wisdom as a new year begins.