I was going through a pile of papers today and came across this gem written by Pope Saint John XXIII - a set of spiritual goals he called "Only for Today". The paper looked like it came from a church bulletin, but which church and when I got it I don't have a clue.
Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behaviour; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.
Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.
Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.
Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.
Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.
Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.
Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.
I have an Only for Today” bookmark I’ve had for decades. Thanks for posting this - it’s definitely a keeper.
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate reminders of good stuff.
DeleteThis is beautiful. It's not easy to do them all though. But just for today, I'll plan on working toward it tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThey're good goals.
DeleteVery good -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThat is clever! And forgive yourself if you don't manage it.
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteGreat wisdom here. I'm going to post this on my Refrigerator to remind me that I need only to think about what I can do TODAY
ReplyDeleteGood idea.
DeleteMany good pointers to a happier, more contented life and if practised regularly , will become daily habits.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about how regular practice could lead to things becoming ingrained. Thanks.
DeleteHere's to a good today!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteThank you for sharing this and I am going to apply many of them into my life...
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteI like these. Easier said than done for some of them though. No fear is not an easy one for most people.
ReplyDeleteEasier said than done is a perfect assessment.
DeleteThese are a gem. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and so peaceful feeling.
ReplyDelete