Today

Finish Each Day
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities
no doubt have crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely
and with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with
your old nonsense.
This day is all that is
good and fair.
It is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on yesterdays.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Carpe diem is a Latin phrase. It means “seize the day.” You have “today” within your grasp. But unless you “seize” it, it will slip through your fingers like quicksilver and be gone. Oh, certainly, the sun will come up each morning throughout your life, and each day will present an opportunity of sorts for good works and happiness. But no other “today” will ever again be quite like the one that is now in your grasp. Carpe diem.

The time has come to “put away childish things.” This means developing a genuine sense of purpose about life. It means seeing “today” as the wondrous opportunity it is. Today is the day to make the most of your education, to prepare for missionary service and for temple marriage. Today is the day for magnifying Church callings and responsibilities, for thrusting aside self to render Christian service. Today is the day for right decisions and resolute determination—your mallet and chisel—to prepare for tomorrow. This is the very essence of being about your Father’s business.

My dear young friends, carpe diem! Seize this day! Grasp the marvelous opportunity that is at hand! Your today is garnished with the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Your tomorrow is bright indeed—if you make the most of today.

by Elder Lance B. Wickman