“Don’t leave anything for later. Later, the coffee gets cold. Later, you lose interest. Later, the day turns into night. Later, people grow up. Later, people grow old. Later, life goes by. Later, you regret not doing something . . . when you had the chance.”
–Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Japanese author
In my day, the cartoon “Popeye” also featured Wimpy, Popeye’s buddy who loved hamburgers. His famous line was, “I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” It was a dig at Americans’ tendency toward financial irresponsibility. Imagine what Wimpy would say about the financial condition of our nation today!
For practical purposes, most of us do put off paying for things. We finance big purchases like houses and cars, rather than waiting until we sock away enough cash to buy them outright. That makes perfect sense.
Who likes to wait? In line. In traffic. For purchases. For Christmas. For a text reply or an email response. A college admission response. A job promotion. A medical report. Even for a hamburger! And the list goes on and on.
I suspect none of us likes to wait if we can avoid it. Delayed gratification builds character, but it’s no fun. Why do you think Amazon is such a success? “Expected to arrive by 8 AM tomorrow.” Why does every kitchen have a microwave? Instant gratification.
But what about our interpersonal relationships? Why are they sometimes the things we do wait on? My “To Do” list? That note I’m going to write? That phone call I’m planning to make? That personal visit, just to touch base? How easy it is to put off such things, and how often we do just that. And then, as Mr. Kawaguchi suggests, the opportunity passes and we regret not doing something.
The Bible has a lot to say about procrastination, especially in Proverbs. “Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing (Proverbs 20:4 NIV).” In other words, if we fail to do the work now, we’ll suffer consequences in the future.
In his gospel, Matthew wrote, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5: 23-24 NIV).” We believers think worship’s pretty important, but according to Jesus, it takes a back seat to healing a flawed relationship.
Our mindset: There’s plenty of time, so if I don’t get to it today, maybe tomorrow. But do we know that to be true? Time is our most limited and precious resource, and we don’t know when our time on this Earth will end. Tomorrow’s not guaranteed–for us or for the person or people with whom we need to connect.
Have you ever sat in a memorial service and thought about what you should have said to, or what you should have done for, the person being memorialized?
“I love you.” “I’m sorry.” “How can I help you.” “Forgive me.” “Just wanted to touch base and check on you, as it’s been a while.” “Can we meet for a cup of coffee?” All of these are great things to say . . . before it’s too late.
So, carpe diem. Seize the day! What are you waiting for?
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“Don’t leave anything for later. Later, the coffee gets cold. Later, you lose interest. Later, the day turns into night. Later, people grow up. Later, people grow old. Later, life goes by. Later, you regret not doing something . . . when you had the chance.”
–Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Japanese author
In my day, the cartoon “Popeye” also featured Wimpy, Popeye’s buddy who loved hamburgers. His famous line was, “I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” It was a dig at Americans’ tendency toward financial irresponsibility. Imagine what Wimpy would say about the financial condition of our nation today!
For practical purposes, most of us do put off paying for things. We finance big purchases like houses and cars, rather than waiting until we sock away enough cash to buy them outright. That makes perfect sense.
Who likes to wait? In line. In traffic. For purchases. For Christmas. For a text reply or an email response. A college admission response. A job promotion. A medical report. Even for a hamburger! And the list goes on and on.
I suspect none of us likes to wait if we can avoid it. Delayed gratification builds character, but it’s no fun. Why do you think Amazon is such a success? “Expected to arrive by 8 AM tomorrow.” Why does every kitchen have a microwave? Instant gratification.
But what about our interpersonal relationships? Why are they sometimes the things we do wait on? My “To Do” list? That note I’m going to write? That phone call I’m planning to make? That personal visit, just to touch base? How easy it is to put off such things, and how often we do just that. And then, as Mr. Kawaguchi suggests, the opportunity passes and we regret not doing something.
The Bible has a lot to say about procrastination, especially in Proverbs. “Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing (Proverbs 20:4 NIV).” In other words, if we fail to do the work now, we’ll suffer consequences in the future.
In his gospel, Matthew wrote, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5: 23-24 NIV).” We believers think worship’s pretty important, but according to Jesus, it takes a back seat to healing a flawed relationship.
Our mindset: There’s plenty of time, so if I don’t get to it today, maybe tomorrow. But do we know that to be true? Time is our most limited and precious resource, and we don’t know when our time on this Earth will end. Tomorrow’s not guaranteed–for us or for the person or people with whom we need to connect.
Have you ever sat in a memorial service and thought about what you should have said to, or what you should have done for, the person being memorialized?
“I love you.” “I’m sorry.” “How can I help you.” “Forgive me.” “Just wanted to touch base and check on you, as it’s been a while.” “Can we meet for a cup of coffee?” All of these are great things to say . . . before it’s too late.
So, carpe diem. Seize the day! What are you waiting for?
12 Comments
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I admit that I am that person who has no patience. I do love Amazon and mostly because it makes things instantly available. I have “my lists” of things to accomplish in my day, and I want to be able to mark them “done.” But on one remembered experiences, I listened to the Holy Spirit (whispering in my ear) that I needed to listen to what I was being shown to do. I was “told” to go visit a friend in the hospital that afternoon and I did. That night I found out he had died and I was sooooo thankful that I had listened to that voice urging me to go see him. I pray to be willing to set my plans aside and to be willing to be available to the Holy Spirit, who is guiding me. One day at a time.
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Time…..more precious as we are faced with less time than we were younger. A shame that many don’t realize the very essence of time until much later. Thank you, Tim, for your gentle reminder!
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Old age kind of sneaks up on us. And I find myself worrying about having the time to get everything done that seems important. Decluttering, patching a wall, mending relationships, just stuff. But, the kind of stuff that can chase away dreams . In reality getting started and setting priorities are the keys to managing stress. Do something!
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Such a great reminder, Tim. We often miss opportunities to encourage or bless because we will “do it tomorrow,” and tomorrow ends up being too late. Thank you
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Oh, yes . . . I’ve had those regrets when I think back and say, “I should have . . .” Thankfully, for years I have tried to do better, so there are less of those regrets. I do admit to being an impatient person at times, still working on that one. Thanks for a thought provoking message, Tim.
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For me it’s not so much about procrastination, but having too much to do. The only way I don’t stress out is by asking God each morning to guide me in what He wants me to do🤗 Fulfilling God’s purpose and serving others are my top priorities.
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I admit that I am that person who has no patience. I do love Amazon and mostly because it makes things instantly available. I have “my lists” of things to accomplish in my day, and I want to be able to mark them “done.” But on one remembered experiences, I listened to the Holy Spirit (whispering in my ear) that I needed to listen to what I was being shown to do. I was “told” to go visit a friend in the hospital that afternoon and I did. That night I found out he had died and I was sooooo thankful that I had listened to that voice urging me to go see him. I pray to be willing to set my plans aside and to be willing to be available to the Holy Spirit, who is guiding me. One day at a time.
A good lesson for all of us, Pam. Thanks!
Time…..more precious as we are faced with less time than we were younger. A shame that many don’t realize the very essence of time until much later. Thank you, Tim, for your gentle reminder!
Agreed. Thank you, Chris!
Old age kind of sneaks up on us. And I find myself worrying about having the time to get everything done that seems important. Decluttering, patching a wall, mending relationships, just stuff. But, the kind of stuff that can chase away dreams . In reality getting started and setting priorities are the keys to managing stress. Do something!
Agreed. Thanks, Joe!
Such a great reminder, Tim. We often miss opportunities to encourage or bless because we will “do it tomorrow,” and tomorrow ends up being too late. Thank you
You’re so right, Dyann. Thanks!
Oh, yes . . . I’ve had those regrets when I think back and say, “I should have . . .” Thankfully, for years I have tried to do better, so there are less of those regrets. I do admit to being an impatient person at times, still working on that one. Thanks for a thought provoking message, Tim.
Patience is a fruit of the spirit, but it’s a tough one! Thanks, Katherine!
For me it’s not so much about procrastination, but having too much to do. The only way I don’t stress out is by asking God each morning to guide me in what He wants me to do🤗 Fulfilling God’s purpose and serving others are my top priorities.
“Too much to do” equates to busyness. We create it for ourselves, right?