Someday

There’s a thought that I think far too often;
it’s just a word, an overused word.
But it holds the present day captive,
and it’s one that’s too frequently heard.

When I’m eager to do something courageous
yet have thoughts that I might somehow fail,
I grab on to this word with a grip that is tight,
and I let my fear prevail.

You see, it’s such a safe word,
and it often seems filled with much hope.
But in truth it’s often a cop-out
if I think that perhaps I can’t cope.

It’s so nebulous in its meaning,
so noncommital in its use,
but it makes the reason for waiting
seem defined and not just an excuse.

But if I view this word more closely
and give it an honest look,
I’ll see that I use it too often
to get myself off the hook.

The word I refer to is someday.
It’s simple, unthreatening, oft-used.
But I can no longer deny it;
it’s a “day” that’s too often abused.

“I’ll do thus-and-such when I’m older.”
“When I’m married, I’ll be this way or that.”
“Once the kids leave, I’ll get more involved, Lord.”
“When retired, I’ll serve where I’m at.”

God, help me delete all my “somedays”
from each thought, from each word, from each deed.
Please give me the strength and the courage
to boldly go where You lead.

I want to live each moment fully,
to not wait, to not ponder or stall.
Lord, right now I will listen and follow;
today I will give You my all.

—Brenda Strohbehn, 9/20/2015