by Ronald Manalastas

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

"Live with the realities of today, not on the prospects of tomorrow."

"Be contented with what you have than what you can have."

Note that these quotations encapsulate the value of living in the context of today's reality: purposely seeking new knowledge, taking advantage of every available opportunity that comes your way, enjoying and protecting what you presently have, and shutting off any unreasonable dream that rightfully belongs to a distant future.

But how can we live in peace, happiness, and growth in the chaos and dysfunction of the present world? Can we really focus our life on the present without being hounded by the needs of tomorrow?

The answer: Yes. We can live in peace, happiness, and growth and we can trek a life predicated on our present needs. How? Take what life is. Appreciate that it is a providential gift, a divine design for us to get the fullest enjoyment of its endowments. Exercise the spiritual maturity to discern the divine rationale as to why we exist. Be aware that what matters is how we live the present because life is blissful, people-friendly, and fulfilling. What about tomorrow? It is never an intimidating issue since the divine design is omnipresent; it holds true for the future, in all places and all the time.

Life's imperfections are man-made, riddled with sloth, hate, deceit, greed, and idolatry. But God's design was for man to lead a life of industry, learning, good, and contentment; and these are exactly the dominant virtues that you need to live safely and comfortably in the present.

Life today moves fast in a disruptive and unpredictable pattern. You must have the industry and initiative to seek new learning opportunities, inclusive of new principles, practices, and technologies, so that you will acquire new knowledge in a relentless manner.

In learning, never miss the idea that we are gifted with body, mind, heart, and spirit so that we will have the capacity to live, learn, love, and leave a legacy. Leverage this awareness in going through a spiritual renewal that should give you a strong foundation against today's problems. Times are hard but it has no other tendency than to wilt down and pass.

Value the essence of work. It is a fact of life which you are destined to do so that you can be clothed with financial security, self-respect, courage, and faith in what the present can provide. Build premiums around yourself through interconnection with people who share the same constructive values, beliefs, and attitude that you have.

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