In his 1980 ballad “Beautiful Boy”, John Lennon penned the words; “Life is What Happens to you while you are Busy Making Other Plans”. It was a great truth that was stated concerning how we live our lives, and manage our dreams.
I meet people who are always looking forward to tomorrow, while they fail to live the gift that is their life today. Their dreams of a wonderful future are paramount in their minds, while their present existence is overlooked, if not completely neglected.
The truth is, I cannot live in the illusion tomorrow, as it is not mine yet. Indeed, I have no guarantees that it will be mine at all. I do however have today in which to live, to love and to accomplish.
- Today I can tell those close to me that I love them deeply.
- Today I can convey to my friends what they mean to me.
- Today I can make things right and say sorry to those I have hurt.
- Today I can attend to those neglected matters that need to be resolved or completed.
- Today I can make my peace with God and set my priorities right.
I can’t build a happy life on a foundation of regrets from yesterdays, nor on the imaginings of tomorrow. Today alone is mine. Success and happiness depend on the effort and decisions I make this day. Indeed, life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.
I am not advocating a life without plans, just simply pointing out the folly of assuming tomorrow’s ambitions. It is no wonder the Good book counsels us to: Take little thought for your tomorrows…for significant are the concerns of today – Matthew 6:34.
© Rui Coelho
