Yes, Carpe That Diem!

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be full of joy and be glad in it.                                                   Psalm 118:24

Over the years of my counseling practice, I have literally seen thousands of clients. I have been blessed to be in the field for over fifty years. (Yes, I did start young!) Over those years, I have been blessed to be a part of the story of so many people. I saw people who struggled with mental illness, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, complicated physical problems, symptoms that resulted from emotional and neurological problems, grief issues- the list goes on.

In that time, I have been so impressed with the human spirit. I saw many clients who dealt with significant problems, to the point that I did not know how they kept going. But the ones who did keep going had a chance at healing and recovery. Some simply needed support to keep that hope alive.

My point here is that there are times that people indeed want to give up. I don’t necessarily mean people who contemplate suicide, although many more people do contemplate suicide than one would ever guess. I am talking about people who decide to stop trying to live a healthier or more productive life. They simply give up on hopes and dreams, and sort of “go through the motions”.

Please understand that I am not blaming people for their choices. I have not walked in their shoes. I do not know the pain that they faced, nor the troubles that they have experienced. I do say though, that the only failure is giving up hope. The only failure is to not try to live a life that is meaningful.

To be sure, not everyone has the same opportunities, the same gifts. We do all have a life that God has given to us to use until we die. We can live a meaningful life, even when we are disabled, paralyzed, sick, or even terminally ill. The decision to live until we die, not just exist until we die is all in our hands.   

So, take heart dear readers. Look at each day as a gift of time to be used, and cherished.

Prayer: Lord, you give us one day at a time. Help us to cherish that day, Amen