I want to live where I can make a difference. That thought struck me early this morning as I wearily rose from my overnight duty in assisting with my dad’s care. It’s pouring buckets and buckets and buckets of rain in Indiana this morning, and the heavy cloud cover is enveloping me with the realities of fall’s presence and winter’s approach. All I could think of was moving to a warm climate by a quiet body of water where the only sounds other than those from the nature that surrounded me would be from my fountain pen as it glides across the page in a well-worn leather journal. But in waxing eloquent, I digress!

In fact, my thoughts on living where I can make a difference had nothing to do with my physical location. They came from a recent conversation with someone who lives in the past. You know the type: they frequently relive the “glory days” or bitterness-producing moments of times gone by—times that they can’t seem to let go of for one reason or another. Generally, these individuals hang on to the thrill, adulation, or victory of a momentous event. Or perhaps they hold on to a disappointment, a tragedy, or a loss that left a permanent mark on their personal timeline.

In their proper place and when viewed from the right perspective, these events, feelings, or life-changing moments can be amazing memories that serve to shape today into a better day than it might have been otherwise. As learning tools and character-molding opportunities, even the worst human events can create a positive forward momentum.

But here’s what struck me by way of reminder and as an “aha” moment today: If I want to make a difference, I have to live in the present, where I have the ability to change and to create change. At the risk of appearing vain, let me repeat that:

If I want to make a difference, I have to live in the present, where I have the ability to change and to create change.

I can’t make a difference in the past. History cannot be changed. But I can make a difference today, and in doing so, I am on my way to making a difference tomorrow—and in each tomorrow that God gives me.

I think we often relive the past because its outcome is certain. We don’t know what the outcomes of today or tomorrow will be, and maybe you’re more secure than I am, but quite honestly, not knowing the outcome of something is scary to me.

Today’s Proverbs reading from Operation Optimize October (it’s never too late to join us!) is from Proverbs 3, which is home to two verses that are familiar to many:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

—Proverbs 3:5–6, NLT

I not only get to make a difference today, but I don’t have to consume my thoughts with what will happen there: “He will show [me] which path to take!”

And it is on the path that He has chosen for me that I will get to make a difference.

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Once again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers for my dad as he continues in hospice care. His health updates are posted here.