Until Today

  I am always scheming about what is next.  I’m sure it is, at least in part, a strength of mine.  I planned a way and made my move to Spain.  I wooed my partner and she and I are happily married.  I am plotting my next career move as she and I rethink our financial future.  Even in this, there is a time to stand still and appreciate what is past.

     I am going to paraphrase an ancient text and, if you have heard it before, I want you to pretend you do not know it.   Samuel was with his God, when an enemy battalion came against the people.  But God thundered against the enemy and they were scattered.  God’s people chased down the enemy troops and conquered them.  Samuel placed a boulder in a prominent place to never forget the day.  ¨From long ago until today God has helped us.” he declared.

     The part that has really been lending me energy is this idea of “until today”.  There is no direct reference to the future, but experience shows that the future is likely to  be similar! “until today” forces us to pause our perspective in the present.  Up until now, God has given me joy and happiness.  My life has already been full of goodness.  I want to dwell on that.

     I led some awesome games in my English classes today and I started to imagine how great my future teaching can be once I integrate these games.  But there is already happiness this day, even if I never get offered a chance to teach more classes.  

   On a way more exciting note, I am happily in love with my partner and we are expecting a baby.  I am already dreaming of the future.  Holding the baby, taking the baby hiking, teaching the baby.  But there is already happiness this day.  Already God has been good.  Already I have lived so many joys and so many thrilling moments.

From long ago until today.  A person ought to pause there before they scheme about the future.  There is a joy to enjoying what has already come.  I think it makes us happier people.  And happiness is a pleasure we all enjoy.