The following was written while I was caring for my father during his declining years. While Dad has since passed away, the experiences and lessons learned are worth sharing.

How many times have you asked, “When?” When are we going to get there? When is that happening? When, When, When. If you’re like me, there are not enough fingers and toes to count the times. As a kid, I always looked ahead to the day when I would be able to do things I wasn’t quite old enough to do. Many times, when the “when” arrived, it wasn’t as spectacular as I had imagined it would be.

What causes us to want to live in the future rather than in the present?

This morning I am sitting at the table with a cup of coffee thinking about the events that occurred in the middle of last night that got me up twice and deprived me of sleep, and on other days and nights as well. I find myself asking God, “When?”

In the nine years I have been taking care of my parents, I have learned, and will continue to learn, how to overcome living in the past. Acknowledging, in order to accept and live in the present, has been a journey. Now I find myself making decisions on what I’m to do after dad passes and where to do it. Much of my attention has been on the “what’s next.” I have placed that attention on something that is refreshing and exciting. This attention replaces the pain I don’t want to feel or see or experience as I watch my dad decline.

What do you notice about this scenario? The reality is – I’m blessed to still have my dad with me. What an honor to be the one God chose to take care of Dad when he could no longer care and support himself.

I want to set my intention to live today.

I want to be the best version of me, making a difference with the information I have this very minute. This scripture reminded me of where to set my intention so I may put my attention where I need it to be:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Talk about a RESET this morning. By setting my intention on “Now,” I won’t be missing out. The “When” will come when it’s time. In God’s time, not mine.

Where are you living: past, present or future? What intention can you set today to shift your attention?

Live for today, for we are not promised tomorrow.