One of our family members is facing a recurrence of cancer.

The first bout with the disease was all new to her.

So, she didn’t know what to expect.

This time, however, it has come back with a vengeance and she is all too familiar with what lies ahead.

We love and admire her greatly!

Many people deal with afflictions all their lives and still try every day in every way to cope and make the best of it.

I also must put in a word about their caretakers.

In this case, her husband is extremely supportive and is on top of of all the medical details and her schedule of appointments.

He is a life saver.

And how about all those doctors and nurses who rise each morning to care for complete strangers?

With Covid-19 everywhere, let’s not overlook their bravery either!

If not today, when?

Many wise people say that true joy is found by those who participate in a cause greater than themselves.

Senator John McCain was a Navy pilot shot down over Hanoi, North Vietnam. He was badly injured and spent many years in a prison camp.

He said, “Patriotism is another way of saying service to a cause greater than self-interest. If you find faults with our country, make it a better one.”

Have you ever felt the passion working for a worthwhile cause of which you are just a small part?

It is usually the high point of one’s life.

I’m sure you have some strong opinions about various issues.

How about putting those strong opinions into action?

It doesn’t take long to look around and find some wrongs that need righting!

More than ever before, a huge percentage of our fellow citizens are in need.

Think about getting into something greater.

If not today, when?

Do you feel that loved ones are not on the same page?

The pandemic brought its own unique kind of stress into our lives in addition to the other stresses that may exist in our important relationships.

Good communications can be a big part of the solution.

The most necessary ingredient in building or rebuilding trust and understanding is GOOD LISTENING!

We know our point-of-view, but often miss theirs.

In order for us to be better understood, we must make a sincere attempt to hear what their perceptions are of us.

You may not want to hear them out, but it is the primary building block of a relationship.

We are often unaware of how we come across to others.

We may have certain mannerisms that are a hindrance to the closeness we all want.

In our hectic world, strong relationships don’t always get the time and attention they deserve.

If not today, when?

Hard to do, but necessary.

We can’t fret over yesterday while also worrying about tomorrow.

That doesn’t leave much room for TODAY!

And TODAY needs our undivided attention.

If you can devote your attention to the present moment and give it all you’ve got, your yesterdays and all your tomorrows will be better than they are now.

I know someone who has taught me to live in today.

She gets a lot done because she doesn’t carry the self-imposed burdens of yesterday and tomorrow.

Tomorrows become easier because today was more effective without distractions.

Like most other realities of our lives, you most control your thoughts so you can have a bigger impact on your results.

That thought control means, “LIVE ONLY IN TODAY!”

If not today, when?

Yes, our Democracy is under attack from without and within.

The latest intelligence report released yesterday states that certain well-known public officials were working with Russian agents to spread misinformation in the 2020 election.

Now, there is a big move underway in many states aimed at limiting voting rights which is the singular defining characteristic of a Democracy.

As much as we are primarily focused on raising our children and earning a living, let’s not ignore what some fellow-citizens are doing to undermine our precious, hard fought for Democracy!

If not today, when?

Was it so people with wealth could remember those not so fortunate?

Was it so spouses could love and be patient with one another?

Was it so people with dark skin could have access to good schools and equal employment opportunities?

Was it so women would have equal opportunities to advance in the corporate world?

Was it so we could use our free will knowing that many of us would use it for our benefit and the benefit of others?

Was it so that we enjoy all the miracles of this world and thank God for them?

I think that’s what God had in mind!

We all may exhibit some selfishness from time-to-time depending on the topic.

Let’s talk about selfishness as a trait rather than an isolated instance.

If you have it as a trait, it permeates all of your decisions.

You look at every issue as to its potential impact on you.

This not unusual, but taken to an extreme, it can be an example of selfishness.

Selfish people don’t respond well to constructive criticism.

They don’t listen to those who don’t agree with them.

As much as looking out for yourself is a natural defense mechanism, life isn’t only about you!

In today’s America, many people are not interested in the concerns of others.

This attitude is the driving force behind a splintered society.

To be a contributing member of society, you must be wary of selfishness.

If not today, when?

Betrayal occurs when someone you trust lies to you, cheats on you, abuses you or hurts you by putting their own self-interest first. (Dictionary definition)

Betrayal has consequences for both parties.

The offender has now created a lower standard for his/her self-esteem and future behavior.

The more often that person practices betrayal, like any other habit, it becomes easier.

For the victim, however, it always hurts in varying degrees depending upon the magnitude of the betrayal.

Regardless of the size of the betrayal, it is NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Many times, the betrayal is not deserved.

It comes out of nowhere without an acceptable explanation.

What were your motives for establishing the relationship with the offender?

If they were honorable, it hurts even more.

Don’t become jaded in your life view as a result!

No, continue to love and be loved. “For it is giving that we receive.”

If not today, when?

We can all learn from “HONEST ABE!”

TRUST IS A MUST, but not easily obtained.

It is especially true in the present environment of lying and misinformation.

A relationship is not a relationship without trust.

RULE #1: You must tell the truth at all times. Even though the truth you must tell, is sometimes not something you are proud of. Simply put, a truth teller earns and maintains trust.

RULE #2: You must do what you say you’re going to do. You can’t tell someone you’re going to do something and then do the opposite.

RULE #3: Your actions speak louder than words. If people notice that you are a selfish person, they will always be wary of your motives.

Rule #4: You must speak and act consistently. You can’t be Dr. Jekyll today and Mr. Hyde tomorrow. Consistent behavior builds trust.

TRUST IS A MUST!

If not today, when?

Yes, this stimulus bill is designed to shore up the weaker segments of our economy.

Money for small businesses that are reeling under heavy debt with reduced income.

Cities and states, that have exhausted their financial safety net for the unemployed, will receive help.

Schools can reopen again with funding to make the environment safe for the kids.

At least half of all Americans will get funding for themselves and their children.

There is more funding for the distribution of vaccines.

Even though we have been vaccinated, we still wear masks to encourage others to do so.

Covid-19 is not behind us with 1,400 people dying each day.

But, if we still follow the guidelines, we will save lives that would have been lost.

Please do your part.

If not today, when?