Shortly before the birth of Christ, the Roman poet, Horace, wrote these words in the poem Source, "Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero – Seize the Day, putting as little trust as possible in the future" (from Wikipedia).

Since we are not promised a future tomorrow on earth, what do any of us have but today? And how are we to think about or approach today? It can help to consider what others believe is a more literal translation of carpe diem--pick or pluck (like fruit) and enjoy the day or moment. We need to be purposeful in grabbing hold of each minute of the day and steering its course, as we have power to do so, and not let the day run its own course, as if we are passive passengers.

I believe on each and every day Christ was on earth He had a mission, purpose and direction. This is unlike many who live as sheep without a shepherd or who, metaphorically, unknowingly or willingly sit in the passenger seat of life and not in the driver's seat. All of us have privileges and entanglements that we must or choose to attend to in the course of everyday living. Necessary commitments, like employment or parenting, are one thing, but allowing oneself to be driven to accomplish the many small and insignificant things to diminish anxiety or increase a sense of usefulness is misguided. On those days, one does not live. On those days, the day seizes and takes hostage the person. 

If life has control of you, well, you are the only one who can decide to live differently. You can master the day by seizing joy and cultivating daily purpose in the things you must do and in the precious time remaining.