Niki Anderson ~ Author & Speaker
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Keyless in Spokane
| Posted on January 1, 2010 at 2:31 AM |
Among my treasured collectibles is a small autograph book from the 1930s. The sentiments are penned with ink from a well and signed by those as far away as Cornwall. Many are poems, likely drawn from memory. Some are moralistic, and all are thoughtful. A few prompt a smile but most are serious musings, love rhymes, and good wishes.
Last week, I picked up the coverless book and reread some entries. Each is dated and ends with a graceful signature. Two are titled. One is named “Eternity” and the one below is called “Life.” With a new year ahead, this inscription snagged my attention.
Life is a book in volumes three,
The past, the present, the yet-to-be.
The first is finished and laid away.
The second is with us every day.
But the third and the last of volumes three,
Is locked from our sight and
God keeps the key.
B. Sowell
St. Keverne, Cornwall
Like an author, I love this concept of life as three books. One past, one present, one “locked from our sight.”
Book one. The past—pleasingly memorable or painfully regrettable. Much like the occasional volume I wish I hadn’t read or the novel I’ll cherish always.
Book two. The present. That which “is with us every day.” The pages of now. The present volume is our most valuable asset. Realizing that years ago, I crafted my mission statement to include five of its ten words about the present: “To love and serve God, one day at a time.” The Psalmist also emphasized the present. “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” The present is the most influential of all three books. It constitutes my past and is yesterday’s future.
Book three. The future. Other than necessary planning, I don’t pry into an imaginary future. I speculate, yes, and sometimes I fret. Though curious, I’m grateful the future is sealed. Its gladness and sadness remain a mystery. I’m spared fear of its troubles and reserved clueless to its pleasant surprises. Though “yet-to-be,” it could be the best book yet, and wisely saved for the end.
All three volumes rest on our shelves. If I could sign your autograph book this first day of 2010, I’d wish you the best volume three of your life—one day at a time.
Here and now are the coordinates for living in the moment with God. What is the hardest thing for you at the start of every day?
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6 Comments
Happy New Year! It was good to talk to you on the phone. Sorrry to hear that Bob is 'under the weather' today. We'll pray he recovers quickly as I did last week from similar circumstances.
I like your web site. i'm signing your autograph book this first day of 2010 and as you so aptly suggested 'wish you the best volume three of your life?one day at a time.'
Jon
I enjoyed the autograph book. One interesting thing about the future is that He holds in His hand, He knows what it looks. When we trust Him by taking Him by the hand, it becomes an adventure. Love casts out all fear. He has His best in mind for us. I can bank on that truth. He will never leave nor forsake us and He loves us with an everlasting love. Sometimes, he does gives us glimpses of what the future holds and we need to seek and press into the truth of what He has told us. The way we steward that truth will determine whether we receive that blessings or miss it, like the unopened boxes of blessings we will find in heaven. Our Father wants to bless us and He wants us to be a blessing. He wants us to be generation that carries out the blessing of Abraham which is fruitfulness and prosperity. Praise God that is what I am looking for 2010! Blessing abounding to you and your readers. : )
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