Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, June 16, 2015
One Day at a Time—with Passion
This is the first day of the rest of your life. It is, truly. I am not being facetious.
At least, that’s what Nathaniel Branden says in his chapter on Handbook for the Soul.
He speaks of the passion needed to go through life, and how much commitment each person needs. That, plus the ability to appreciate the positive things in life, are two key aspects of this journey called life. I think I might even be able to suggest that Branden considers them all-important aspects, even when each individual goes through continued difficulties and challenges.
I read with interest the real-life example Branden gave. He spoke of his first book, and while he began to explain (in words) about this situation years ago, I had a sudden insight about it. As this formely-young man thought at first, he needed to hurry up and get through the writing-part of this book. But then, he thought more and more deeply. It came upon him that his life was the process. Each day, one day at a time. [1]
What a free-ing thought!
This allows me to think more deeply and more kindly of others. (I am not sure exactly how this fits in with this particular chapter. I am just happy that I will not be alone. At least, I do not need to be alone. Or, stay alone.
As Branden says, “Obviously, we cannot control every area of our life. . . . But we do have an enormous degree of responsibility for the shape our lives takes. . . . We are not passive spectators, but active contestants in the drama of our existence.” [2]
Positive thinking, and one day at a time living. I watched as others nourished themselves; and by God’s strength, I can praise God for these basic instructions. Not easy. Not by a long shot. However, now Branden knows. Now, we do, too.
Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.
Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind. @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .
[1] Handbook for the Soul, Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield, editors. (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1995.), 102.
[2] Ibid, 103.
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