The original version of 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.
Several recording artists have published slightly different versions in the years since; however, most people might not notice the difference in a few verses. I did not, when I used the recording of Cristy Lane’s version of “One Day at a Time”. I have listened to Christy’s recordings for many years, and I assumed that was what Eva had used many years back. Recently, I was trying to extract one of Eva’s songs from her old practice tapes when I found “One Day At A Time”, so I copied it to see if I could get a workable version. It was split between two files by the program that extracted it from the cassette tape to digital format, so I had to merge the two files. It is not as clear or professional as the other version, but I enjoy hearing Eva’s voice, even in a practice version.
We were in one of those periods we wished had not happened. 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.
I’m only human
Lord I’m just a woman
Help me believe in what I can be and all that I am
Show me the mountain
You’ve have me to climb
And Lord for my sake teach me to take one day at a time
One day at a time, Lord Jesus
That’s all I’m asking from you
Just give me the strength to do everyday
All that I have to do
Oh yesterday’s gone, Lord Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me to take
Show me thy way one day at a time
Do you remember how you walked among men?
Well Jesus the way that we’re living today
It’s much worse now than then
Now the’re pushing and shoving and the’re crowding my mind
Lord for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time
One day at a time, Lord Jesus
That’s all I’m asking from you
Just give me the strength to do everyday
All that I have to do
Oh yesterday’s gone, Lord Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me to take
Show me thy way one day at a time.
Eva singing – practice tape
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