If I Only Had Today

When I write songs, 87.63% of the time I am near a piano. But a particularly memorable song came in a different way.

Time to Create

Years ago I felt like writing as I boarded an airplane from Texas to my home in Utah. I was blessed with a row to myself—no one close enough to cramp my creativity.

Feeling a sense of artistic freedom and a nudge to put ideas on paper, I pulled out my spiral notebook and began to write. Maybe it was being  airborne, or flying home to my family, or experiencing private emotions that can turn hearts to meaningful thoughts. But I began thinking about time.

It seems like I’ve watched a million sunset                                                                                And stared at a thousand full moons                                                                                   Sometimes it feels like I’ve been here forever                                                                             And sometimes it all feels brand new

Time to Remember

I know each moment of our lives is a gift from God. He decides how many heartbeats and how many breaths we will have. A loved one may pass before we are ready to say goodbye. A relationship may end when we wish it wouldn’t. Our children grow up faster than we can keep them in shoes. As time slips past us,  we wonder where years have gone.

But if there were no more tomorrows                                                                                             If I knew that I could not stay                                                                                                             I know how I’d spend every minute                                                                                                           If I only had today

I wasn’t thinking of those words in sadness or depression; I was thinking of embracing every moment to live it without regret. I was cautioning myself and my future listeners that we must avoid missing those beautifully ordinary moments.

There are times we should treasure and hold on to. People who matter to us most. Ways we can make sure they know how much we love them.

Time to Reflect

I landed in Salt Lake City after sunset. I walked in the front door, then turned on the lights near the piano. My family was asleep, but the melody in my head needed to find life on the keyboard. As quietly as possible, I gently played the notes, carefully matching the words I had written.

I’d hold you and listen                                                                                                                        And I’d let the dishes sit in the sink                                                                                                      I’d tell you I love you over and over                                                                                              And for once I’d just let the phone ring                                                                                                Then I’d remind you of forever                                                                                                      And how our love would never change                                                                                               If I only had today

 Time for Wisdom

Time is so precious. Life is a gift. Joy and purpose are ours to embrace as long as our arms aren’t too full of lists and to-dos.

The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us the importance of nurturing relationships and putting  people first. We know that our Heavenly Father values families and want us to prayerfully care for ours. Sometimes this isn’t easy. Relationships with parents, children, and siblings can be the most challenging. But they can bring us the greatest joy.

President Henry B. Eyring has taught,

We owe our families the kind of relationship we can take into the presence of God. We must try not to give offense or take offense. We can determine to forgive quickly and fully. We can try to seek the happiness of others above our own. We can be kind in our speech. As we try to do all these things, we will invite the Holy Ghost into our families and into our lives.

I pray we can recognize and appreciate the gift of today, cherishing each family member who makes it joyful.