Today

Someday, I’ll find the perfect marriage.

Someday, I’ll get my finances in order.

Someday, I’ll get that promotion.

Someday, I’ll pursue what God has called me to do.

This Sunday, guest speaker Dave Barringer introduced our congregation to the concept of “Someday Syndrome.” Whether it be an unswerving anticipation of the future, or a relentless desire to escape from the present, someday syndrome is an infection of the mind that hinders us from fully perceiving or acting on the present. As we become so consumed with what lies ahead, we fail to see God’s presence in what is happening right in front of us.

As a college student, my mind naturally drifts to “someday.” I spend a significant amount of time planning, thinking about, and dreaming of what my future may hold. After all, the time I spend studying and the majority of my money is, in fact, going towards my future. However, it is not healthy to limit my perspective solely to what tomorrow holds. While God’s plans for the future may be great, I must not lose sight of the fact that today is just as important. Just as I believe God has designed me for a specific career and specific purpose in the future, He has placed me specifically where I am at today, whether or not that seems ideal. In other words, God deeply desires to use what seems like an unimportant transitional phase in my life as a platform for both personal and spiritual growth.

Perhaps your “someday” looks a little bit different. Maybe you’re desperately waiting for your child to get potty-trained. Maybe you’re waiting to get out of debt. Maybe you’re waiting to retire! Whatever the case may be, we all have the potential to become so future-focused that we glaze over God’s presence in the mundane. The truth is, God wants to use us, shape us, and challenge us right where we are NOW. Sure, he might have plans for tomorrow. Sure, things in the past may have changed what today looks like. Nevertheless, God is ready to fill us, change us, and use us TODAY. The question is, are we going to let opportunities pass us by, or are we willing to take action and listen for God’s voice today?

This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant

Edited by: De Ann Sturdivant