The Parable of the Procrastinator
Once you have lived a few years, you understand how precious is time. When you were quite young you knew there were certain things that needed your attention, needed to be done, but you were too busy. Besides, there was always tomorrow.
If you needed to lose a few pounds or cut back on your cholesterol, you could attend to that later. You knew smoking wasn’t good for you, but you had fifty or sixty years to quit! What could it hurt to have this one smoke on this beautiful evening? You were working too long, not spending near enough time with your kids, but next year it would all change. You sure weren’t going to live like this forever. There was that animosity with your sister, that enmity with your father, but it would take way too much time to dredge all that up and find a way to forgive. Someday when the fever of life was over, then you’d do it. Really, you would.
Three devils set out to conquer the world. The first devil went around proclaiming the message, “There is no God!” But even though some people acted as if there were no God, they knew in their hearts that this message was not true. The second devil announced, “There is no sin!” And again, although many people acted as if the message were true, they knew deep down that it wasn’t. The third devil was smarter than the other two. He did not attempt to change people’s beliefs. He made no attempt to argue against their deepest convictions. He simply said, “There is no hurry.”
Ah, you have hit on my greatest enemy and expressed what I have thought but would not say as well as you–that I do not have unlimited tomorrows left. I need to post this on my desk to read every morning. And I will do it now!
I’m with Kathy! My greatest enemy as well. Taxes will be done tonight!
Dear Dave – I think we all procastinate. My solution for the past few years works for me! I make a list of things to do the next day and anything else that I should do. When something is accomplished, it is crossed off the list. Some items may stay on the list for weeks – once in a while for a month or more. Our best to you and Pam. We still miss you folks. Sue and Dave
Who doesn’t need this message? I procrastinate every day. Thinking about tomorrow, next week, next year. I’m wrangling a few of these things, but I needed a kick in the pants. Thanks!