TOMORROW...SERIOUSLY?

Last night, I read an intriguing on-line advertisement by the Prudential Insurance Company.  Entitled, “I’ll Do It Later,” the ad focuses on the lost time and opportunity that results from procrastination.  It even contains a procrastination calculator which you can access at http://www.bringyourchallenges.com/ill-do-it-later.  This calculator reveals that (on average) someone my age (61) has spent approximately 5.1 years of their lifetime putting things off until tomorrow…procrastinating!  It really caused me to reflect and think.

What is even more fascinating is the list of things that (according to the article) I might have achieved during my ‘lost’ 5.1 years.  For example, during my theoretical 5.1 years of procrastination, I could have knitted 1.07 sweaters for the gigantic Statue of Liberty (or) I could have taken a 240,000 mile ‘road trip’ to the moon 153 times (or) I could have made and consumed 890,600 cups of tea (or) I could have received 4.1 masters degrees (or) I could have climbed Mt. Everest 354 times (or) I could have painted the Sistine Chapel 1.17 times.  Hmmm…

There is a very wise axiom, attributed to Edward Young in the 17^th century, which warns against the inherent danger in delay.  “Procrastination is the thief of time,” Young said.  Nevertheless, the prayerful insights of the Psalmist David predate this sage saying.  King David’s plea to GOD was profoundly simple: “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

So…what are YOU doing about your dreams…your goals…and your God-given gifts?  Are you in hot pursuit, or are you simply procrastinating?  Could it be possible that you are paralyzed or stuck in ‘someday syndrome?’  Consider the fact that cemeteries are the wealthiest plots of potential on Planet Earth…for within their gates sleep multiplied millions of unrealized hopes, undeveloped relationships, unwritten books, undiscovered inventions and unfulfilled dreams!  What are YOU doing to make sure that your story does not culminate in incompletion?!?  Think about it!  Prayerfully gather all of your resources: your will, your knowledge, your experience, your education, your energy, your funds, your grit, your determination, your family and friends…and before the sun sets on this day, plug into the wisdom of GOD…and start making it happen!  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!