The Saturday Journal: Tomorrows
Overnight she spun her web so brilliantly and on this morning it glimmered in the sunlight among the early spring forsythia blooms outside my window. It was a spider web like none I had ever seen. It was small, delicate. A masterpiece.
As I stood and looked at this beauty of nature my heart yelled, hurry–get the camera. And then the excuses began. I don’t have time right now. I have to get ready for work. It’s cold outside. I will have to change the lens. And then the ultimate excuse I use all too often--I can do it tomorrow.
What if we knew today what would happen tomorrow? What would we do today, if we knew what tomorrow would bring?
If I had only known on March 7, 2014 that would have been the last day with my Daddy--I would have done things differently. I wouldn’t have let him out of my sight. I would have been like a young child and followed his every footstep. I would have told him a thousand times over I loved him. That I was one blessed daughter because of him. I would have said thank you over and over again for all he taught me--done for me. I would have done things differently on that Friday.
I didn't know though and that day came sending me to my knees in grief. Yes, he knew I loved him and we spent a lot of time together. And for that I am most blessed. But on some days my mind still goes back to those times when I said, ‘Daddy, let’s wait and do that tomorrow. I don’t have time today.’
And if I had known the birthday call from my baby brother, close to two years ago now would be the last time I heard his voice. And nine days to be exact after my birthday, we received the call--I'm sorry, but...
I would have called my baby brother more often--traveled as many miles as it took to see him. And now, I cherish our last phone conversation--and hold close our memories.
How is it we prepare our hearts for the heartbreaks of tomorrow? Because if tomorrow comes, there will be sorrows.
Tomorrow there will death of loved ones.
Tomorrow there will be job losses.
Tomorrow there will be people who hurt you.
Tomorrow there will be people that you love walk away.
Tomorrow there will be tragedies and sorrows and regrets.
And tomorrow there will be sickness.
But how is it we plan for the joy that comes in the morning? Because if tomorrow comes, there will be joy. Blessings we easily forget.
Tomorrow there will be beautiful babies born.
Tomorrow there will be healing miracles.
Tomorrow there will be birds singing their praise song.
Tomorrow there will be parents who hold their children for their first time in an adoption agency.
Tomorrow there will be those who will be sharing kindness to others straight from the heart.
Tomorrow there will be these words spoken for the first time, I love you.
And tomorrow there will still be the hope and reassurance of Jesus’ promise. The forever tomorrows.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3.
I received a text message from a family member asking if I wanted to come and visit--have dinner. I quickly started typing the old familiar words–I would love to, but I still have a lot to do today.
My sink is full of dirty dishes. The bed, I’m waiting on the sheets to dry. And there’s the kitchen table full of books, papers, an open laptop–deadlines. But then I took one more look around and before I hit the send button, I erased my words of rejection. And I simply answered, I will be right over.
No, we can’t always say yes. But more often than not, we can.
No matter the weather or circumstances, my Daddy always said, ‘Today is a glorious day.’
You see the only way to plan for the sorrows of the unknown tomorrows is to put our faith and trust in the One who holds our tomorrows. To make the most of today, giving thanks for the joys of the right now.
And this morning I look out my window and there are no spider webs--no garden spiders.
The dishes are soaking in suds. The washing machine churns. And deadlines are looming.
And there's this crazy squirrel hanging upside down, clinging for dear life on the birdfeeder--enjoying his breakfast. And I laugh.
Tomorrow is here. And it's up to me how I will live today.
We spend our years as a tale that is told.
Psalm 90:9
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All photos @copyright Tathel Miller, unless otherwise credited to another photographer.
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