How to Live a Day at a Time

There's not much enjoyment comparable to having a fresh slice of home-made bread right out of the oven. The soft texture, rich scent and taste of sliced bread mingled with a bit of honey or jam is perfect with a cup of tea at breakfast. It doesn't matter what shape, size, or color; bread is a universal sustenance of human life. And no matter what time of day it is served, it adds to the meal's personal gratification.

The food pyramid lists grains (the basic element of bread) as the foundation for nutritional sustenance. The complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber all add to our body's strength and energy. Within the components are vitamins, iron, selenium, potassium, and magnesium our body needs to remain healthy. However, I would like to point out that not all breads provide this value. Consumption of "unrefined" whole grains are the most beneficial to our body.

As we have discussed, bread in the physical sense is important; but bread in the spiritual sense is life-sustaining and furnishes us with endurance for the future. It is the foundation upon which one can establish a successful outlook of life one day at a time.

• The Hittites served bread to soldiers to ward off epidemics during times of battle.
• In Belgium, it is believed that kneaded bread on Christmas Eve keeps the home safe from lightning strikes.
• It is often given to newlyweds in some countries as a sign of hope in regards to prosperity and health.
• In some Christian homes, they make the sign of the cross before cutting the bread.
• Breaking bread is a universal sign of peace.
• Scandinavian traditions hold that if a boy and girl eat from the same loaf, they are bound to fall in love.
• In Russia, bread (and salt) are symbols of welcome.
• Bread is closely tied to religious expression and communion.
• Jewish families celebrate the coming of the Sabbath on Friday evening with challah bread.

Source: breaddaily.tripod,com; enote.com

"When the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell with it." (Numbers 11:9 RSV)

As the Bible story goes, the Israelites left Egypt for the promised land. Although they took food supplies with them, the journey through the dessert exhausted their rations. Soon they complained of hunger and the possibility of starving to death. In response to their cries, God sent them "manna" from heaven to sustain them as they sojourned.

Each morning until they reached the promised land, they gathered this grain to grind for baking and boiling into cakes of bread. The daily activity symbolized life to the people.

Revelations 2:17 refers to manna as "hidden" and incorruptible, therefore signifying the immortality of life. If one consumes spiritual bread on a daily basis, he or she should endure life's stress well and it should lead to a long life. This verse also refers to manna as "good of truth" and as a barrier to temptation.

Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." John 6:35.

Christianity basis daily living upon the consumption of bread, usually, as an early morning ritual. This type of bread is a metaphor symbolic of reading scripture, meditating upon the words, and prayer for guidance. Christians also believe daily bread will sustain them through the difficulties of each day and will help them to grow in faith as they experience the positive results.

In general, Bread is quintessential and encompasses more than just one form of grain when referenced as sustenance for life. It comprises all pure foods or beliefs and values in support of a balanced lifestyle.

Additionally, daily bread refers to maintaining a positive attitude when dealing with life situations. It is not easy to face your day when you only see the downside of your circumstances. Facing each day with courage and optimism helps to eliminate the negativity encompassing one's daily existence.

In Numbers 11:6 the people of Israel cried out, "But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” In the same manner, we often complain about our daily "bread". It seems mundane and doesn't seem to be leading anywhere. God forbid we should have to experience such a lifestyle! I love the old song about counting your blessings one by one. Sometimes, we need to take a step back and look at all the good in our lives. The little things that we take for granted are often what makes life happy. Are you healthy? Have a roof over your head? Enjoy a family and friends that love you? Are you able to work? These are blessings enriching our daily life.

I have a friend with a physical disorder who always says, "I just take it one day at a time", when asked how she gets through the difficulties of her life. Her simple outlook reminds me to only seek what is necessary for today's living. No matter how bleak the future may seem, worrying about it today does not change a thing. It only distracts you from living your potential today.

Focusing on your daily bread, perhaps a piece at a time, will help to keep things in perspective. Sometimes looking at the whole loaf, instead of viewing it in slices, will overwhelm you and you may miss the small details that make it a chef-d'oeuvre.

Know what you can accomplish in one day. Making lists helps, but you may discover the items are numerous and often are left unchecked. Reexamine your list for priorities and take a realistic approach to what is absolutely necessary for today's schedule. Chew it slowly and well - you don't want indigestion from trying to eat too much too fast!