Carpediem is a Latin word meaning, seize the day. This week I’ve been pretty sick so I was watching television to take my mind off how bad I felt. On one show, a man was telling his story of how close he came to losing his life. He did lose one eye but because he survived, he decided that carpediem would be how he lived the rest of his life. I was very inspired by his story.
I know I don’t always seize the day. Especially in the gray, cold, winter months. This man’s story made me look at myself and how I normally go through each day. Do I seize the day or just let it slip by? If I am being honest, especially in winter, I let a lot of days slip by. I also recognized that I have been feeling sorry for myself. Maybe all widows and widowers do this. This is hard. It seems like I spend too much time thinking about what I’ve lost and not what I still have. I have to be really honest here, I lost a lot when I lost Mark.
Being Grateful
I’m still on the mend from being sick, it’s been a very miserable week. I decided I needed to not only thank God for each day; I needed to be more specific. I decided that when I was well, I wanted to thank God that I felt good. Simple right? But before, it was not on the forefront of my mind until I was sick. Also, I need to thank God for every opportunity and ability I still have. I need to stop saying the same things every morning like a robot and be real; take time to think and be truly thankful for every good thing. That is my first way of seizing the day.
Seeking Wisdom
To seize is to take control, take hold of and take an initiative or opportunity. I think another way I can seize the day is to take an initiative to seek wisdom. I know I received wisdom from the testimony of the man on TV. I can listen and learn from those much wiser than I, and find wisdom from the Bible.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is flawless, he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 3:13-18 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
Seize Opportunities
What is it they say, something like if you are going to talk the talk then walk the walk. Things don’t change or get done if we don’t do something. To seize the day would mean that we look for, pray and grab hold of those opportunities to do things that make a difference. Often for me, making a list of what I need to do and who I need to send cards to or call or go see etc. is very helpful but I don’t always do it, I can do better. I need to get up and move.
I know God is trying to get a message to me because when he is, there are many instances of scripture, or inspirational tv shows, conversations etc. that all, I mean all hit on the same subject. This week it’s been: get up, get out, quit feeling sorry for yourself, be thankful for everything, seek wisdom and opportunity and seize the day.
Just remember every life makes an impact. Maybe while we are alive, we can impact other lives for the good and move ourselves into a better way of living by seizing each day. Carpediem my friends.
Prayer
Lord, thank you. I love it when you wake us up! Sometimes you have to allow things to come into our lives to do so, but we know you are guiding us to something better. Lord keep nudging us and please open and close doors to opportunities so we follow your perfect plan for our lives. Lord daily show us how to seize the day. Thank you, Lord, in Jesus’ name, amen.
God Bless
Sally
