The future is in our power. Let us, then, each morning, resolve

"The future is in our power. Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. And at night, let us reflect that one more day is irrevocably gone, indelibly marked." — Adoniram Judson. These words by Adoniram Judson speak of a profound truth that resonates deeply in the heart of humanity: that the future is not a distant, uncontrollable force but something shaped by our actions, choices, and reflections. Judson invites us to understand the power we hold each day—not just to live it, but to shape it in a way that will echo through time. The present is fleeting, but each action we take, every moment we live, becomes an indelible mark on the canvas of eternity.

In the ancient world, the concept of time and its sacredness was deeply understood. The Greeks and Romans believed that the way one spent their day was the measure of their life and character. Seneca, the Stoic philosopher, taught that each day should be lived as though it were our last, for once it passed, it could never be regained. To Seneca, the mark of wisdom was in using each moment wisely, knowing that life is fleeting, and our actions today would define the legacy we leave behind. Judson’s words echo this timeless wisdom: that the future, shaped by the choices we make today, is not a passive concept, but a living creation that begins with our daily resolutions and actions.

Consider the life of Alexander the Great, whose every decision and battle led him toward a future that was as unstoppable as his ambitions. But Alexander did not just fight for the sake of power; he shaped his future through each conquest and decision. Even in his moments of reflection, he understood that each day he lived—each victory, each setback—would determine how he would be remembered in history. Just as Judson reflects upon the significance of the day's passage, Alexander too understood that the days he spent, however full of victory or strife, were irreversibly marked in the story of his life. Judson’s reflection reminds us that, like Alexander, we too are shaping our legacy, day by day.

The Romans, with their emphasis on virtue and duty, also understood the power of action in shaping the future. Marcus Aurelius, in his meditations, wrote about the importance of aligning one’s actions with the greater good of the community and the world. He was keenly aware of how each day and each moment contributed to the collective future of the empire. Aurelius teaches us that it is not enough to pass through life passively—each day must be lived with intentionality, with purpose, just as Judson implores us to send the day into eternity in a way that we would want to see reflected back forever. Every action we take, no matter how small, shapes the future in ways we may never fully understand.

Judson’s call for reflection at night is a powerful reminder of the need to take account of our actions, to assess the day’s mark on the world. The Stoic idea of self-examination—the practice of reviewing one’s actions each day—is a tool for growth and understanding. Seneca again teaches that the truly wise person does not live passively but actively reflects on their actions, striving to improve with each passing day. By looking back at the end of the day, we gain perspective on how our actions align with our values and goals. It is in this reflection that we grow, for the wisdom of the past illuminates the path to the future.

In our own lives, we must take Judson’s words to heart and recognize that the future is not simply something that happens to us, but something we actively shape through our daily choices. Every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of our lives, and reflection at night allows us to assess whether we are painting the picture we desire. Whether it is in our personal relationships, our professional pursuits, or our inner growth, each day offers us the opportunity to move closer to the future we wish to create. Just as Judson encourages us to resolve each morning to send the day into eternity in a way that we would want to see reflected, so too must we be mindful of how we spend each moment.

The lesson is clear: each day is precious, and how we choose to live it shapes not only our present but our future. Like the ancients, who understood the sacredness of time, we too must live with purpose and intention. Each action, no matter how small, becomes part of the story we leave behind. Let us take Judson’s words as a guide, resolving each day to live it in a way that will honor our highest aspirations, knowing that the legacy of our lives is shaped in the moments between morning and night. Reflect each night on the mark you have made, and with the dawn, rise again to create a new day, sending it into eternity with love, purpose, and resolve.