Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring.
PROVERBS 27:1 (CSB)

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Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. (The Message)

This verse has been on my Friday prayer list since the autumn of 1984. It has guided me well across the decades. Proverbs tells us to plan for tomorrow (see chapter 16 for three prominent examples) but not to attempt to live there. 

Planning and preparation are good and wise. Wise and good are living in the fullness of the present moment. The question that comes to mind asks, “How can I make the most of this day? What is important now?”

Glancing at today’s calendar and my to-do list, I see several good opportunities to advance in the direction of my life mission. However, it is good to remember how productive yesterday afternoon was until an unexpected interruption stopped forward progress. 

That interruption provided an opportunity to connect with someone on the periphery of my work and to draw into a closer relationship. That is much more important than cleaning my desk. My desk still needs cleaning. I plan to spend part of the morning on that task unless someone else wants to interrupt me.

An old friend I haven’t seen in person in a couple of years stepped into my life this past Monday with a powerful question that threw me off balance. His perception was right on target. His words of wisdom were what I needed in the moment. That unplanned encounter refocused my thinking in a manner I am still processing. 

It’s Friday. The weekend is only hours away. Special meals are planned. Family time is scheduled. I look forward to it all. Right now, the dogs are gathering around my chair. They know their breakfast is coming soon. They would like for me to finish these tasks so that we can get on to one of their two favorite times of the day. And so we will.

For you, what’s important now? Step into that moment with confidence and courage. Know that every second is packed with eternal significance. Prepare for the weekend. Live in the fullness of this moment.

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I will focus on what is important now.

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Our Father, the most important time of my day is this time. Thank you for the opportunity to arise and hear your words of truth and life once again. You add meaning and perspective to long-familiar verses and chapters. You provide new insights and deepen understanding. How rich are these moments! O, to dwell here all day! However, the dogs are hungry and the clock ticks toward time to leave for the office. Empower me today to make the most of every moment. Amen.