Today is the day

The precious present in the family business (Exodus 16:16-20)

My last reflection focused on God’s expectations of the Israelites when He provides manna (bread) to them in the wilderness. He reiterates the instructions through Moses, and here is what happens:

This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’” And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. (Exodus 16:16-20)

The Israelites were instructed to collect an omer of manna, which is about two liters or two quarts. That amount would be enough for their needs for the day, and they could — they should — trust God to provide manna for them the next day. If they didn’t collect quite enough for the day, they would still not go hungry. But if they tried to save it overnight, the manna would spoil. It is a fundamental lesson in trusting God to provide our “daily bread.”

Much of the time we are planning for the future in our family businesses. We are creating a cushion, storing up before a downturn, saving for retirement, or managing our future estate. We are thinking ahead, worrying about tomorrow. But the message here is to fully appreciate what we have today, to savor the gift — the nourishment — in front of us now. That might be the family coming together for a meal, or the afternoon spent working side-by-side with a sibling or next generation member. Time in the car taking your kids to school, or a spontaneous conversation with a parent in the middle of the day. It might be a moment of solitude, a chance to quietly reflect during an otherwise chaotic day, a walk in nature, or the gift of a sunset. Things that renew you now, that you can’t store, but only remember. That which God offers only, and surely, today.

Have you ever been unable to enjoy the present because of a concern for the future? What practices, efforts, or tools help you in being “present today” in the family or family business?