Today

A reflection by Paul Huneke

“Today is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

     This verse is the welcome used at Good Shepherd for each service. I have spent a large part of my ministry in vision, goals, key targets, and the desired future both in the parish and in congregation consultations. My first exposure was in the SED in the early 80’s with a process called the 'Nominal Group Technique' where I was a small group leader in a district-wide convocation in Boone, North Carolina. These processes are good, helpful, and if acted upon, enhance church ministry. My confession is that I spent so much time planning, strategizing, and interfacing that I missed today, which of course is where ministry takes place - in the moment.  

     Over the past weeks when the “plan” is not clear I have come to appreciate the word ‘today’. The Scriptures speak a lot about today: 

• From the Beatitudes: I think that “blessed” means living life before God, under His Word, and being present in His continued work in the world.  
• In the Old Testament: Israel was told to gather manna one day at a time, when they attempted to save food for the next day the manna would spoil.
  
• In the Lord’s Prayer: Jesus instructs “Give us this day our daily bread”.
  
• Jesus talks graciously in Luke 12:27 of God’s care: “Consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air”. God provides for them daily, just as He does for us.
  
• Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7: “Cast your anxieties on the Lord for He cares for you.”
• Jesus’ promise to the thief on the cross: “Today you will be with me in Paradise”.  

     Today announces the grace of today. As a person who has lived with chronic anxiety most of my life I often prayed for the end of the day and the comfort of my bed, only to face it all again tomorrow. These past weeks have forced me by God’s grace in Christ to focus on “today” with an unconditional love and a bounty of mercy and forgiveness.  In Christ “today” is good and the future is secured.