Cancer–in both its presence and absence–had taught me the immeasurable value of today. Faith isn’t rooted in the past or the future. It’s birthed in how we approach and handle today. It’s the anchor that holds us firmly in this moment, allowing us the freedom to experience it and enjoy it regardless of the regrets and what-ifs. Those who have faith, deep abiding faith in an Artist who has all things under his control, have no need to rehash the past or predict the future . . .
For today, for this moment, la vita è bella.
Life is beautiful.
~Michele Cushatt in Undone: A Story of Making Peace with an Unexpected Life
The real enemies of our life are the “oughts” and the “ifs.” They pull us backward into the unalterable past and forward into the unpredictable future. Real life is in the here and now.
~Henri Nouwen
In the stillness,
Sandy
Welcome to the Still Saturday Community where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and reflect on the depth of sparse words. We’d love for you to join us. Grab the button and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to be still together, to gaze long and drink deep.
What powerful quotes. Thank you.
Have you read Michele’s book, Elizabeth?
Hi Sandra, Like this a lot! Short and inspiring!
Thank you for the link up too.
Thanks, Ifeoma. (What a beautiful name!) I’m so glad you’re part of this community.
Love this quote >>>>> The real enemies of our life are the “oughts” and the “ifs.” They pull us backward into the unalterable past and forward into the unpredictable future. Real life is in the here and now. ♥
God is able to work through our conditions and circumstances to fulfill His purposes in our life and in the world. When we experience suffering, we can respond in faith and trust God to work all things together for good! ♥
Have a beautiful and blessed weekend!
Denise ♥
And you know something I often ponder, Denise? That maybe in our hard stuff, God is saving us from something harder.
Sandra, I just finished reading Undone, too (I think my review will show up in this reply thanks to your site!), and was so overcome with the idea that God is sovereign even in the midst of my “unexpected.” Blessings on your weekend.
I’ve scribbled all over this book and bent its pages. I considered a new copy if I can every connect with Michele in(RL) for an autograph. But then I think, no… she needs to sign this one. And the truth of God’s sovereignty has held me through totally coming undone so many times…
I am connected to a few families whose world has been wrecked by the “C” word. But I am loving that I know (and they all know) the Artist who has it all under control. Thank you for sharing and for the Link Up. I reached out to connect on social media. So glad I got to drop by and even hang out today…finally!
So glad to connect with you, Yolanda. Thanks for coming by and reaching out.
I lost my mom to that wicked “C” word… and my uncle and an aunt. My sister has had surgery for it. But it only thinks it’s in control of those who are controlled by the Great Artist and Physician.
Hugs.
Beautiful. No if onlys. If only we could remember that daily. YES we can!
No regrets. It takes away our focus from the One who redeems what the locusts have eaten.
I so love starting my weekends here with you, Sandy. Blessings 🙂
Hi, Lyli. I do so love seeing your sweet face here. I wish we could share a cup of tea. Or coffee. Anything.
Challenging words and stunning pictures as always, Sandra.
Thank you!
May your cup be filled to overflowing.
Sending love to you, Heather. Have a beautiful rest of the weekend. 🙂
Today is the best day of the rest of our lives. 😉
So much positivity for the weekend. Thank you!
Have a fantastic weekend. 🙂
The first and the best. Yes. Our perspective makes such a difference. Love to you, Lux.
I adore Michele Cushatt…..and YOU!!!! BIG love to you my beautiful friend.
Big love coming right back at you, Patricia. So wish I could have hugged your neck while we were down your way… xo
This is exactly what I needed to hear today, Sandy. Recently God impressed upon me that every day is a gift. Why waste it beating ourselves up for past mistakes or worrying about the future — may we use every moment rejoicing in Him, to His glory! Thanks for hosting & God bless!
Exactly, Laurie! Today is all we have, and I remind myself over and over that He redeems those regrets… and, in fact, was there in the middle of those circumstances, too, gently weaving them into His overall plan for the future. We need to just sink into the chapter we’re in, this paragraph, this sentence, until the whole story is complete. Hugs to you, friend.
Amazing quotes. Meditating on these truths! Thanks Sandra.
Thanks, Jason. I hope you’ve “recovered” from the Easter and are leaning into… Easter. I always think of those who minister during the season (Christmas, too), and the intense preparation it takes to lead folks to the manger and the cross. I’m guessing you don’t realize how exhausted you are until it’s over. Though it’s never over. 🙂
You have shared powerful quotes today. I LOVED Michelle’s book. It came at a time when I so needed to read every single word. And Henri Nouwen … he always says it so well 🙂 Blessings today!
I needed her book, too, Joanne. For lots of reasons. Have you noticed there’s so much power in the words of so many authors these days–so many doing battle. So many lessons to share.
Such a thought. When our ought to be and the if only moments become exchanged for His will then our thoughts stay focused on Him and peace floods our soul to the point regret has no room to stay.
Blessings,
Dawn
If God is sovereign–and He is–then we need to remember that we don’t hold the reins and trust He’s got it all under control. I love the thought that there’s no room for regret. (I’m picturing an inn with a no-vacancy sign–the rooms are all occupied with joy and contentment and peace… )
Beautiful perspective.