One of my favorite quotes comes from treasure hunter Mel Fisher, who would show up at the dock every day for seventeen years encouraging his employees by saying, "Today's the day!"  Fisher and his gang were on a mission to find the Atocha, a Spanish treasure galleon bound for Europe with a load of gold, copper, and precious gems.  It was rumored to be the richest lost treasure ship ever, and had remained hidden off the dangerous coast of Florida for centuries.  Finally, after an incredible story of perseverence, unfair governmental interference, greedy competitors, and family heartbreaks, Fisher and his crew hit the mother load and found the Atocha!  His daily doses of positive prediction that "Today's the Day!" had finally paid off.

I like the quote as a daily encouragement, to be sure.  We all need to say something like this to ourselves when the going gets tough, when we start to feel discouraged, or when the vision starts to fade a little.  It is important to develop positive "self-talk" that keeps us focused and propped up.  However, I also like Fisher's quote, because it has a second meaning that I am not even sure he intended.  "Today's the Day!" alsMelfisher_guldo means that we should cherish this day, and forget the past, while not living too much in the future.  Yesterday is gone.  Tomorrow can only be hoped for, but is not promised, and today is all we really have!  As the Bible says, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" (Matthew 6:34 KJV).  I like this quote because as we repeat it to ourselves and others, it helps us to be encouraged about the great things that we can discover this day, the treasures we can experience and share this day, and the fact that we can't really become too enamored or concerned about future days, or hung up on failures of past days, because, in fact, Today is the Day!"

We should certainly learn from our past.  And we'd be fools not to prepare for tomorrow and dream about possibilities, but these things should never be done at the expense of today.  Let's each make today count for all it's worth, remembering that indeed: Today's the Day!

Posted in

6 responses to “Today’s the Day!”

  1. Bert Fall Avatar

    Mel Fishers story is one of most inspiring tales of dedication that I have ever heard. I grew up on the Great Lakes and maritime history has always held a corner of my heart. He inspired me to learn as much as I could about the high seas. I think you really touched on something that I never thought of though. I always just thought “Today is the Day” was meant to keep him optimistic. But after reading your post I realize that it could also mean to live in the moment. I’ve never had a problem with dreaming big but I have always struggled with follow through. I found myself getting caught up in thinking about what my life would be like 10 or 20 years from now (which is good), but I never thought about what steps I needed to take to make that dream a reality (Bad). I was using my day to wish about the future instead of achieving goals that brought about that future. Each day is a gift, use it wisely. I think that is why Mel Fisher never gave up. He just kept on being persistant! Great post and I’d like to tell you that your talk entitled “Today’s the Day” is one of my all time favorites. Thanks for all you do.
    -Bert

    Like

  2. Brandi Avatar
    Brandi

    This was my absolute favorite seminar you gave and I listen to the CD often. Talk about fantastic motivation and an incredible story of how to keep moving forward against incredible odds! I am always reminded that my ordinary life can be extraordinary – with a little extra positive attitude! Thanks again for the reminder!!

    Like

  3. DaveC Avatar
    DaveC

    Chris,
    what is going on this thing will not post my words. This is NOT SPAM

    Like

  4. DaveC Avatar
    DaveC

    Chris and other friends,
    I was going to say what follows anyway, but this seems to be the perfect place to say what is so much on my heart. Monday morning my world and the world of may close to me was turned upside down. Kline DeWire, a real American hero, went to be with his Lord that morning. The reason this is the perfect place to put my selebration of Kline’s life, is that his death shows another twist on the words, “Today’s the day!” I am sure that Kline, when he went to work as a paramedic on Sunday had no idea that it would be his last day, but I am sure he lived it like he lived every day of his life, as if it could be his last. That is the way we should live every day of our lives, as if it were our last!
    DaveC

    Like

  5. Erin Jasper Avatar

    The Mel Fisher story is my girls’ (6 and 9 yrs old) favorite Edge CD thus far. As we drove to a field trip, their classmates wanted to listen to the radio, but my girls made them listen to this CD instead. Their friends got a little smarter that day. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Thanks for leadership,
    Erin Jasper

    Like

  6. Don Harris Avatar
    Don Harris

    “Today’s the Day” is my all-time favourite Chris Brady CD. Thanks Chris for great story-telling and teaching.

    Like

Leave a comment