Many years back at New England Club (NEC) senior living residences, good friend and resident Margaret told Chapel Folk “you should learn and play the song One Day at a Time.”

None of us knew it. So, we checked it out.

With a wise and memorable chorus line – One Day at a Time – it’s been a favorite for almost 15 years during NEC worship services, especially with the chorus:

One day at a time, dear Jesus, That’s all I’m asking from You,
Just give me the strength to do ev’ry day
What I have to do;
Yesterday’s gone, dear Jesus,
And tomorrow may never be mine,
Lord, help me today,
Show me the way one day at a time.

Do you know this tune? First recorded by Marilyn Sellers in 1974 (have a listen HERE,) it won a DOVE award in 1975. In 1981, a rendition by Cristy Lane was #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

More on this song and its background is HERE as a Wikipedia post [and HERE – with hopes we can believe it – as a Facebook post…] The power of collaboration between mentor and student is always fun to see (in this case with Kris Kristofferson and his mentor)

After doing this song a few times, an extra verse** has found its way into the NEC Songbook, reflecting a future-facing tone:

But it don’t hurt Lord,       if we think past today

Help us to think,               that we’re not on the brink,

showin’ kindness each day,

And if we do Lord,           Pass along your good grace

Maybe we make,     the actions folk take        

better day after day

So, let’s remember…one second, one minute, one hour, one day at a time…

** authored by Steve Long