One Day At A Time

This song was written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kristoffer Kristofferson. It was written during a time of great despair, and all that could be seen was more problems. That desperation led to some advice to look to God for answers. The words in this song were the product of that process. Writing this song had a big impact on those involved with its creation.

Not too long after Cristy Lane released her album “One Day at a Time”, we were in one of those periods we wished did not happen. When the husband has problems, he is dealing with, the wife always seems to know how to do and say things that help in that moment. When the wife is struggling and internalizing her pain, feeling that she let us down, a man can feel helpless even while trying to do all the “right” things.

Normally, Eva would not turn down a request to sing a solo for Sunday morning service unless she was ill. After a few weeks, I realized she was practicing singing a new song, and I could tell she was more herself. She never practiced in my presence, and I seldom knew what she was working on ahead of time.

I do not recall the date, but I do remember that Sunday morning when Eva sang “One Day at a Time” and how happy and at ease she was that day. Eva was not comfortable praying in public, and her singing allowed her to express her feelings. This song said everything she had been keeping inside, and it was a reminder to all of us that “we are only human, and we need Jesus” to get through each day.

I am sure people get tired of hearing me answer “I am taking it one day at a time” when asked “how are you doing?” That is my answer in bad times and good times. There was nothing new to Eva in those words of the song, but it became a daily reminder and a prayer she could sing out loud anytime she felt down.

One Day At a Time – Song by Cristy Lane

One day at a time, sweet Jesus
I’m only human
I’m just a woman
Help me believe in what I could be
And all that I am
Show me the stairway I have to climb
Lord for my sake
Teach me to take one day at a time

One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That’s all I’m asking from You
Just give me the strength to do every day what I have to do
Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus and tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me today, show me the way, one day at a time

Do You remember when You walked among men?
Well Jesus You know if You’re looking below
It’s worse now than then
Cheating and stealing, violence and crime
So for my sake teach me to take one day at a time

One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That’s all I’m asking from You
Just give me the strength to do every day what I have to do
Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus and tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time