There’s a saying in the Braschler house that I hear my wife say often: “Tomorrow-Me will thank Today-Me.” This is typically heard when we are about to call it a day and standing over a sink full of dishes or looking at a living room that looks like a bomb went off (we have four kids under 12 years old…this describes most days!). It’s tempting to just put it off until tomorrow, but we often do it anyway. The next morning, it’s refreshing to walk into that room or kitchen and there’s a sense of gratitude. 

Don’t Forget to Remember Tomorrow. That’s such an interesting thought. We live in a culture that has little regard for the consequences of today’s decisions. Spend one day as a fly on the wall in a counseling office and you’ll know it’s true. We all often make decisions today based on what feels good right now, what makes me comfortable or keeps me from being uncomfortable. We forget that tomorrow we will have to live the story we wrote today. Don’t forget to remember tomorrow. 

Here’s what I know to be true: every decision you make in life, in relationships, in your work - it’s all a story that you will one day tell.

Are you writing a good one? Am I?

My story, like yours, has some incredible chapters that are enjoyable to go back to and remember. Mountain-top moments and experiences, joy, peace, deep relationships - you name it. I’ve also got chapters so far that are harder to read. Seasons of loss and grief, disappointments, failure, relationship challenges, discouragement and depression - I’ll stop there. 

What I love about reading books and watching movies is that the main character always has challenges to overcome. That’s actually what makes a story worth reading or watching! The challenges that you have just come through, or currently going through, or that you are about to endure - in the not-too-distant future, they will just be the story that you will tell.

I had a chance to give a devotional to our Simmons Pet Food Operations team last week before their year-end summit in Siloam Springs, AR. I wasn’t sure what message God was wanting me to share until the night before. I was reminded of one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture. 

I thought about how many people I have known over the last decade who passed away suddenly. There have been a few between work and my church family just in the past few months. Honestly, when I started as a Simmons Chaplain at 23 years old, I thought only really old people died. In my first year, over half of the funerals were for people my age or not much older. I realized that seeing my 80’s or 90’s wasn’t guaranteed like I thought. In fact, the only day I was guaranteed was today. That’s a humbling, sobering and amazing realization. 

Caring for so many families who lost loved ones too soon caused some anxiety for me at times when I started to realize how fragile life can be. But anxiety is our body’s alarm system to help us feel the tension in order to keep us safe. We need to pay attention to the tension! That has encouraged me to love more deeply, be more focused on my walk with God, and invest my time into things and people that have high eternal impact and return on that investment! 

I am learning to live and love as though tomorrow isn’t promised. I wake up every new day and thank God for the blessing of another day. There is so much power in that one change in mindset.

What if tomorrow never comes? 

We’ve got to deal with this question. (Sorry - not sorry - if Garth Brooks’ song is stuck in your head the rest of the day now). Part of “Remember Tomorrow” is a reminder of the reality that tomorrow is not guaranteed or promised. I’ve learned to hold onto tomorrow loosely. I pray constantly that God would have His way in my life. That the story I write would be one that is pleasing to Him and a blessing to the people He has placed in my life. 

If I really believe tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, it changes how I live and love today. Blessings and encouragement are seldom left unsaid, generosity is often top of mind, and forgiveness isn’t something I withhold from others. This is the “heart of wisdom” that I think Psalm 90:12 is talking about when we realize that our days are numbered. It is not to induce fear, but to encourage focus on things that really matter. 

Imagine if you lived today, the day you are in right now, with this mindset. You go to bed tonight knowing tomorrow isn’t promised to you. And you wake up tomorrow to a new day. It’s a gift! You have at least one more chance to live and love fully! To write another page in this chapter of your life! 

What I love about this mindset, is that if I live to be 95 or if I die this week, I will have written a story, by God’s grace, that is worth reading. I hope God gives me many more years. I pray the same for you. What I know for certain, the only thing I can promise you, is that you have today.

As you spend time with family and friends over Christmas, remember tomorrow as you spend time with them. Be fully present with them, love and laugh until it hurts, and don’t let the moment pass to tell them that you love them, you’re proud of them, or that they inspire you. 

In the end of our life, someone will get up in front of our loved ones and share our story. A story that you are continuing to write today. Write a good one.

Our Simmons Cares team wants to wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! We are honored by the opportunities given to us by the Simmons family and leadership to care for our people and serve our communities! Thank you!!