"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. Be pro-active and ride on the benefits of the time you possess. Life is short and tomorrow is a speculative phenomenon. You may not live long to see it. The key point: Be motivated to relish the bounty of the present.
Do good things all the time. Cherish your family, community, and humanity in general. The chaotic world of today can no longer absorb contrary acts of evil and harm lest it be an abject place of total violence, corruption, arrogance, and other forms of moral decay. Be part of the solution to society's problems. Be socially conscious by collaborating and sharing whatever knowledge, experience, and fortune that you can spare for less privileged people who need unconditional help. Take a stand, as far as practicable, on vital issues where even a small voice in today's wilderness is important.
In the solitude of your home and in the tranquility of your mind, revisit what you have done. Are you on track with your purpose in life? Are you working and serving not only for your needs, but also for the needs of the greater good? Do you have commanding spirituality in your thoughts, words, and actions? Do you entertain an enduring conviction that you are fulfilled and saved in the present?
If you are fully convinced that you internally possess an indestructible spirituality, then tomorrow becomes much more meaningful for you: in "life after death" with the Almighty Creator.