NOW is the Time

by Hartson Dowd
DO YOU HAVE A DREAM? "People have dreams. What is your dream?

Let me introduce you to a word that has the potential to change your life.

It's a small word, punchy in sound, sharp in taste - and rich in potential rewards.

NOW. That's it, just three letters, N - O - W.
Dictionary Meaning for the word NOW - Webster's New World Dictionary: -adverb-

1. At the present time; at the moment; at once
2. At the time referred to; then; next {now his joy began}
3. At a time very close to the present; very recently.

There may be many things you dream about - wealth, fame, health, a promotion, love, happiness, peace. But what you dream about, even desire, is elusive. You may get it; you may not. What you have is simply this: NOW.

"Luke 12:34: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

The time to enjoy your children is NOW. Yes it would be nice to dream about having a hot tub, a swimming pool, a vacation cabin at the lake, but if it means taking that extra job, leaving no time to see your children, think again. You may end up with an empty hot tub or swimming pool. Kids grow up, they grow away, they want you to love them and be interested in them: NOW.

Take someone you love to lunch. No, not three weeks from now when there is a blank spot in your appointment book: NOW, when it is obvious they need you.

Do you dream about having a perfect marriage, a wonderful friendship? One of the greatest things you can express to a loved one is the message, "I treasure you."...I am blessed with a wife that treasures me and I try to treasure her back.

Letting your loved ones, whether wife, parents, children or friends, know that they are treasured is one of the greatest compliments and best affirmations of love - and one of the best ways to say, "I Iove you." Clear up any misunderstanding: NOW. Stop waiting for the perfect moment and the perfect place and the perfect atmosphere. Do it NOW, before the quarrel grows into a tangle of fears and pride and scar tissue.

So what is the best way to let your loved one know that you treasure them? Quit dreaming about how you can get back together. Do it NOW!
Here are three ways to get started in the right direction:

1. Don't make the mistake of thinking your loved ones already knows how you feel about them - they may not. Your past actions may have shown them a different side of you.

2. Be specific. If you like their jokes, their grin, their laughter, or their touch - tell them NOW....Instead of focusing on what's wrong with them, focus on their positive traits, habits, and behaviour - on what's right. Just doing this NOW will help you dismiss the imperfections and keep you from sweating the small things.

3. Tell them. Tell them often. Just because you told them last month, they need to hear it again, and again. The love of your partner, your children, your friends is the greatest gift. Treasure them, and let them know you do, NOW.
Visit that sick friend. Not tomorrow, not next weekend, NOW. Take lunch with you to the hospital. Don't just dream about doing it. There may well be a special urgency about this NOW.

Say thank you, NOW. If a writing friend has helped you with an article or a project and it was very well done, make a fuss. Don't wait till you get famous, do it NOW. Everyone's ego needs stroking and the time to do it is when the soul is still elated. If you are still employed and your boss has given you extra attention, guidance and time, say thanks, NOW.... Being a boss is difficult. It's pleasant to know that good "bossing" is appreciated. Bad "bossing" is certainly noticed fast enough.

So you dream about changing your life? Do it NOW. Maybe your dreams won't come true right now, but you can make a start. Enroll in a course, join a fitness club, get involved in a volunteer group. Put your goals in writing; work out a plan to achieve your dreams. Start on it NOW.

Sometimes I think we are all so determined to become happy, that we fail to enjoy the happiness we have. So fixed are we on the destination that we fail to enjoy the trip. There's a lot of happiness in your life this very moment, if you will relax enough to see it.

Stephen Leacock observed: "Life, we learn too late, is in the living, in the tissue of each day and hour."

Stop your dreaming, your wishing. NOW: It's a beautiful word. It's an even more beautiful way of life.

NOW: A short, sharp word that can enrich your life.

Last updated by Melissa Ringstaff Aug. 2, 2008.

Welcome to
A Virtuous Woman

Sign Up
or Sign In

For Members Only

10 Reasons to Join AVW's P31 Sisters Network online:

1. Get your own free blog.
2. Upload photos and create photo albums.
3. Participate in the Discussion Forum.
4. Join a Special Interest Group.
5. Make new Friends.
6. Read hundreds of articles and devotions.
7. Receive the Proverbs 31 e-Newsletter each month.
8. You'll can enter to win monthly giveaways!
9. Members will receive A Woman of Worth Quarterly Journal and Cookbook e-Magazine in your email box for free! ($24.00/yearly value)
10. Find the encouragement you need to become the woman God desires you to be.

A Woman of Worth
Spring 2009 Issue

Affiliate Program

Join our Affiliate Program and earn 50% of every sale!

Bring Back Family Worship

- Family Worship
- Homemade Memories
- Making the Sabbath a Delight
- What the Sabbath Means to Me

Groups

Proverbs 31 Sisters Bo...

131 members
From Chaos to Calm

229 members

Swap Club

175 members
Fit and Healthy

151 members

Homesteading

196 members
Working Moms

95 members

Homeschool Moms

242 members
The 2009 Holiday Planner

40 members

The Housekeeper's Circle

302 members
Daughters of Virtue

20 members

View All

Disclaimer

A Virtuous Woman does not endorse the opinions, information, products, or ideas on Member Pages and Blogs. For more information about our ministry, please read our Statement of Faith. If you find inappropriate material, please contact us.