“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” — Matthew 6:34

The Gospel of Matthew gives us this reminder to live for today. To focus on the “now”. It goes on, however, to give us a subtle warning. The verse cautions us not to be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. But it ends with a salient reminder that is more apt than ever: that the troubles of today are enough to worry about, without that of tomorrow.

But whether you’re a Christian, an agnostic or an atheist, it would be remiss of us if we do not recognize all the troubles that are taking place today around the world. Actually, it can be argued that we are facing some of the most difficult and troubling times that we have seen in almost a century.

So, in light of all that is going on, how do we live our life solely focusing on today? Can we really just live for today in abeyance of thoughts of all of tomorrow’s troubles? What really does tomorrow hold?

As I pen this piece today, I write with a feeling of great gratitude and appreciation. I write with a great feeling of pride and satisfaction. I write from a place of affection and warmth.

Today, August 31, marks the 70th birthday of my amazing and phenomenal mother. So, amidst all the turmoil that’s raging high and fierce, I celebrate a woman whose kindness and grace resonate in the hearts of many — a woman who served her community and her society with love and vigor, woman who strived and worked hard with an indomitable spirit to instill values and morals in her children.

Today, as I write, I celebrate my mother: Glennis Neal. I wish her all the warmth and love and blessings that this universe holds as we celebrate her blessing and her milestone.

But, as one celebrates and rejoices in his blessings, the rest of Belize, and arguably the world, is staring at tomorrow. Our country and its masses stand in silent, misty concerns about what tomorrow holds. Yes, we know the all-too-familiar verse as outlined in Matthew, but still we worry. We worry about our future. We worry about our families. We worry about our security and our stability. Worry is an ever-present and conscious force in our lives. So why do we worry?

Perhaps the better question would be, why shouldn’t we worry? Why shouldn’t we worry when our lives are rapidly changing in front of our eyes with our having little control over it. Why shouldn’t we worry when our collective well-being consists of a resolve to simply live from day to day? Why shouldn’t we worry when in less than one hundred days the country will beckon in a new leader and we are wondering if that person will have the wherewithal to steer a ship that is in dire need of repair; and possibly carry out a complete overhaul. Why shouldn’t we worry when our country faces one of the worst economic times of its young existence and our people are in dire need, more than ever. So perhaps, that is why we worry. But tomorrow dawns a new day, they say.

But what exactly does tomorrow hold? Really and truly, one cannot tell with absolute certainty what tomorrow holds. But it would be rather ignorant and remiss if we are unable to see the writings on the wall. There is more uncertainty in tomorrow than ever before. Tomorrow looks down on us with a steady increase of COVID-19 cases that continue to spread indefatigably.

Tomorrow looks down on our fellow citizens who have very little to eat and are unable to provide food for the table. Tomorrow offers uncertainty to the working class and has the middle class in a more uncertain position than ever. Tomorrow’s forecast is bleak, with a very busy Atlantic that is brewing up one storm after another, and we worry if any will set its course our way.

Tomorrow is an un-promised and un-fulfilled day, and we don’t know what exactly it holds, but we live in constant worry and fear. Truth be told, while worry is not good and it doesn’t change anything, in a time and age like this, just cause and reason for worrying is understood and must be countenanced.

However, as we stare at tomorrow with trepidation and uncertainty, let’s remember that sufficient is the trouble of today to worry about, without that of tomorrow. Let’s be cognizant that tomorrow’s troubles will care for itself. Let’s do our best to live in the moment, with what we have and with whom we have, for life is more valuable than anything.

While tomorrow holds a lot and nothing all at the same time, let’s dwell on the now. Let us strive and seek to live for today. Let us share the same love with one another that God has blessed us with. Let’s bestow kindness and care towards one another and help to brighten each other’s day.

With all that we are facing and all that we are going through, it is more evident and apparent that only we can help each other. Only we can save each other. Because, when the bough breaks, it is we who will be left to carry the strain. So let us love one another and support each other, ‘cause after all, we are all that we’ve got and…

… we are all in this together!

God Bless Belize!