I had this phrase on a whiteboard in my office for a few months. I’m not sure where I first heard it but if you know me well, I love a “good play on words”. I like how a rephrasing of 2 simple words can totally change one’s perspective. It takes potential and possible to powerful and probable. The rearranging of these words provides empowerment by embracing that what we do right now can make all the difference. The present moment in front of us has the power to transform our path forward. Life is simply the compounding of the moments right in front us with every momentary decision building momentum – in one direction or another.
We so easily underestimate the power of a moment. They happen in a blink of an eye making them easy to ignore. We also believe we have so many more to come. The reality is that we have no idea how many we truly have and the next could be our last. No one knows but with each passing moment we are one moment closer to our last. Living in this reality means time is the currency of our lives and we spend by what we pay attention to. Notice the word, “pay”. Our attention isn’t free, it costs something and what you spend it on will determine your life’s path. Each moment provides a choice of “One Day” or “Day One”.
Inspiration can ignite “Day One” but you can’t expect it to blaze each and every moment. I’ve learned that inspiration is the match, not the fire. A match can help start a fire but it takes much more than that to keep it going. A fire needs constant attention especially in the beginning. Sometimes it needs fanned, more kindling added or you need to go chop some wood. It’s a combination of all at different times throughout the process. Just like a normal fire, if you just leave it alone it eventually burns out.
You have to discover how to keep your fire burning. Emotions and inspiration fade; calling should not and cannot. What God has put in you is way too valuable for the world not to see and experience. The key to stoking your fire isn’t to remember your calling. The most important thing is to remember Who is calling you. I eventually realized my attention was too focused on the calling versus The Caller. Pay attention to the Caller not the calling. When you focus on the Caller the purpose and power becomes so much greater than any calling. The Caller has put the fire in you and He’s the only one that can make it burn brightly. It doesn’t mean it’s always going to be easy, It’s not easy to keep a fire going. Have you ever camped when its rainy or really windy? The wind and rain of situations and circumstances will always exist. It’s not if, but when and how long. If you want to withstand these storms you have to be steadfast and resolute. Most people have plans and dreams for their lives but those who reach them aren’t afraid to face a storm.
Each day we will come to countless moments where two paths diverge and you’ll be given a choice.
“One Day” – The excuse superhighway; wide, smooth, velocity disguised as progress, Promising tomorrow and delivering you to the parking lot of almost. Lulled to sleep with the comfort and safety it provides. No hopes and dreams to distract you, solely focused on the petty conveniences and electronic indulgences we fill ourselves with. Parked alongside those who find solace in complacency and the path of least resistance. Dozing off through life watching one day slip into a week, a week into a month a month into a year and a few years into a decade; suddenly life’s rear-view mirror is all there is.
“Day One” – The unpaved mountain pass; slow, numerous setbacks guaranteed – breakdowns, empty gas tanks, wrong turns – no signs, no service and no maps. Just the pull of the voice that keeps calling you forward. No set destination. A journey with every mile forged in faith and courage; echoing eternity.
We were created for adventure! We were created to do hard things! Yet our default is always the smooth, safe and comfortable ride. Honestly, that’s where I’ve been – traveling extremely fast and going nowhere even faster. You can have the coolest calling but without the Caller you are not going anywhere. The calling is merely the vehicle, the Caller is the fuel that makes it go.
So I deleted five years of posts and am starting my Day 1 with you. Don’t let “One Day” steal the future God has for you. Our enemy is building new super highways that lead directly into full parking lots where hopes and dreams go to die. Our enemy wants us obsessed with the safe and comfortable. He wants us lulled to sleep living a life not to lose versus diving into the unknown possibilities of life. Don’t waste the moments in front of you. Don’t just spend your attention and focus, invest it. Invest it in the eternal. All it takes is a simple yes. There’s a “Day One” inside all of us. Will you choose to make today your “Day One”?
“The question remains whether or not you will be willing to say “Yes” to the great adventure God has for you.”
“Follow me.” Jesus
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