Today is a gift.
That is why it is called it the present.ā Master Oogway, Kung Fu Panda
I love kids movies, and this classic from DreamWorks Animation is one of my family’s favorite movies. Po the Panda has been mistakenly named the “Dragon Warrior” and he is unlike anything anyone expected. The rest of the team think there has been a horrible error made, but the wise old tortoise, Master Oogway, is not surprised or dismayed. He is talking with Po about the day and about what everyone else is saying about him or thinking about him. He is living in a place of anxiety and worry and trying to solve his problems by gorging himself on peaches.
The full saying he references is: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called it the present.”
Here’s the clip from the film
The quote reminds us to not focus on the past that we cannot change, or to worry about the future that is not promised, but instead not to miss the “gift” of the present. All we have is today. We can make the most of all that we have today, here and now. We can cherish those around us that God has put in our lives. Our friends, our family, our children, our neighbors, the random person you see or meet at the grocery store.
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.ā Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)
Rejoice in what you have and all that this day offers you. Look for ways to be thankful to God for his many blessings. This cute and funny reminder is one that we would all do well to heed.
I hope you all have a wonderful day today!
ā Jason