Have you heard this song “Tomorrow” from the musical “Annie “ where the nine-year old Annie sang with conviction the promises of tomorrow? What did you think of it?

In the song, tomorrow is portrayed as a sunny day, a day where there is no sorrow and where there are no cobwebs. It is also a day to hang on for, when you stick out your chin and grin.

It is a promise of a better day, because today is gray and lonely. Oh, what lovely promises of things to come. It’s always only a day away. Who wouldn’t give today for tomorrow?

Don’t get me wrong. I am sure those who watched the show enjoyed every minute of it, to see the cast performing so marvelously. I am sure that if you do watch it again, you will still love it just the same, if not more because of the flood of memories that will fill your head with emotions forgotten. (Hint: we are all much older now)

However, this is a song I would not want to teach my child to sing or claim its promises. I want her to know that while tomorrow is a hope, it should not be overly desired. I would rather that my child and everyone, in general, treasure today.

Today is what really matters. If you are a writer, today is the day where you should write, not tomorrow. If you do not ply your trade, you might not build your desired collection of articles. If you are a parent, demonstrate your love for your children today, for tomorrow they might the nest. If you are a worker, be productive lest you are without a job tomorrow. Suddenly, tomorrow doesn’t look so fantastic after-all,  if today is a flop. To think otherwise is adopting the mindset of an escapist.

Do we not know of the proverbial phrase “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”. Tomorrow is the “two birds” which is out of sight.  But when it comes, you realized there are not two birds; there is only one; in your hand. Yet, this lone bird is worth more than the two which is beyond you.

The English Standard Version (ESV) translation of the Holy Bible put it succinctly and simply in Matt 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” So let’s live for today, for tomorrow may never come. And how do I know this? Proverbs 27:1 (in the Holy Bible) reminds us “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Procrastinate no further in what you ought to do today.

So, how many ways do I love tomorrow? Only one; I will only love tomorrow when it becomes today.