The Miracle of (One Day) Now

The Miracle of One Day Now 

By: Allie Gardner 

We have a calendar posted by the back door

Detailing our lives and obligations and much more 

There used to be something important listed for each day 

And when I would rush by with a weary sigh I’d say, 

“One day God, I just want some white space.”

Not just events piled with time, people, and place

Until then my resolve, focus, and coffee would just have to be stronger 

As I rushed out the door with my list of to-dos growing longer 

I rationalized this busy schedule would only last for a season 

That one day I would balance life, activities, and work within reason

One day I would have the time to slow down and smell the roses 

One day we would be able to enjoy what was right under our noses

But for now, I had work to be done, money to be made, and children to raise 

I justified that I have to give more, achieve more, succeed more in this phase

Then one day there will be no more grind, hustle, or bustle

I won’t have to get to the next thing or do the event and kid shuffle

One day I will have plenty of time to relax, read, enjoy life and rest 

I will look back and know that I worked hard and did my best 

These were the things I told myself as I stood in front of that calendar of busy

Each day bleeding a new color, a flurry of activity to make anyone dizzy

It is a new month so it is time to list events for the next four weeks

So, I set about the chore while tears rolled down my cheeks

For the first time, my calendar now shows a life filled with harmony 

It reflects only the events that fall within the highest of priority 

Our youngest has a birthday to celebrate, lucky number thirteen

Which she will remember forever because it is in quarantine 

Our son’s graduation from Marine boot camp which fills my heart with pride

Yet, floods me with grief because we are not allowed to be by his side 

Then it hits me that in this month of Easter, something so great and profound 

Jesus broke the chains of death, and our hope for eternal life was found 

But this year we have another gift to cherish and praise as we shelter in place

We are blessed with an opportunity to see the beauty and wonder of God’s grace

In a quieter, less hectic world where God’s voice can actually be heard

Where the edges of life aren’t moving so fast that they become blurred

Do not wish for things to go back to normal when this is over at last 

Determine how your new calendar should be different from the past 

The time is here and now to make a change before it is too late 

You cannot look forward and say “One day…”  you simply can’t wait

So, instead of seeing an empty calendar as something to fear, despise, or dread 

Remember the empty tomb brings hope and embrace The Miracle of Now instead