Today While the Blossoms Still Cling to the Vine

The other morning I awoke with a melody running through my mind. Though I couldn’t remember the title or the words, it seemed like a good idea to pay attention to the jukebox in my head. Often the songs playing there offer insight into my emotions or current events.

Today, when I turned on the music channel, that very melody was playing. “Today” by the New Christy Minstrels came out in 1964. When I listened to the song, I knew there was a blog post in that five letter word “Today.”

Today while the blossoms still cling to the vine I’ll taste your strawberries, I’ll drink your sweet wine. A million tomorrows shall all pass away Ere I forget all the joy that is mine today.

Me, filled with jaded teen wisdom

As I write this in my senior years, I recall writing an essay on “Yesterday” when I was a senior in high school. Now, I wonder how much a teenager could have to say about yesterday? I kept the paper, which is filled with jaded teenage wisdom. Although it couldn’t have been too bad. When I met up with my English teacher decades later to thank him for encouraging me to write, I found he had also kept the essay.

Paradoxically, now that I have many yesterdays to write about, I’m writing about today. Because, really, today is what is important.

I can’t be contented with yesterday’s glory I can’t live on promises winter to spring (winter to spring)

So, besides humming this sweet ballad, how can we treasure today?

• Take time to enjoy music or art, spend time with a friend, go for a walk. My very Norwegian Aunt Ianca Larson often commented, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” Getting away from our tasks or problems puts them in perspective. Ianca also liked to say, “Too soon old, too late smart.” Let’s be smart and make some guilt-free happy time.
• “Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.” George Washington said that, and he had plenty to worry about. We can make the most of each day by following his advice and that found in Matthew 6:34, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
• Begin each day by thanking God. There is a scene in the movie “The Orphan Train” where a room full of homeless orphans found much for which to be grateful. By comparison, my list of blessings is endless! There is a bonus in thanking and praising God, because it brings us into His presence; there is no more lovely place to be.
• Encourage someone. Courage is the root word of both encourage and discourage. St. Paul, in I Thessalonians said, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”
• We all have a God-given call to be part of His family and be His representatives here on earth. Nothing makes today more rewarding than being in that sweet spot where we are making a difference. Need direction? Ask and then listen for His quiet voice in your heart.

Today is my moment and now is my story I’ll laugh and I’ll cry and I’ll sing. A million tomorrows shall all pass away Ere I forget all the joy that is mine today.

Writing Update

Cottonwood Dreams will have the most beautiful cover! A photo by local photographer Paulette Bullinger is right now in production. I’m so pleased that all four of my books have artwork by North Dakota photographers. The manuscript is now on the proofreading circuit. When the cover and the proofreading are completed, we will go into publication mode.

Meanwhile, I’ll be signing books at the Spring into Summer show at Northbrook Mall in Bismarck on April 17. It’s my first book signing in 18 months! If you are in the neighborhood, please stop by. This is a new organization and this is only their second show. It will have 50 vendors.

Happy Easter!  A sunflower cake is featured in Cottonwood Dreams. When I finished writing the book, a friend made this cake to help celebrate. May you be blessed with an Easter celebration as sweet and sunny as this cake.