I forgot to turn off my daily workday reminder on my alarm so it started going off at 4AM. I ignored it, pushing the snooze... after all, it is Labor Day, and we are off work. But, as my body was waking up anyway, I eventually got up when my watch started dinging a few minutes later. When I came into my room and looked at my phone, I saw why it was dinging.... we have a new great-grandson! I am tickled to death we have a new labor day baby - just as my middle child was! It sure brings back good memories of a time when I was much younger and ... well... it just brings back good, warm, fuzzy, memories for me of my life past. Hopefully we can run over later this afternoon and see mom and baby. I imagine she will be going home tomorrow. Maybe we will wait until then so that mom can rest today. I don't know... will make the decision as the day goes by.
My neighbor's daughter called me from Florida yesterday and asked that I pick up some things from her mom's 'condo' (as they call it - I call it a duplex) next door and take to her. I'll go get the items about 9-ish I think and do a quick run over to the assisted living to drop them off and visit for a few minutes. Luckily I am off work today otherwise it would have to wait until evening. I don't mind taking them, but I already have a full day with a new baby thrown in the midst and I want to go see him.
Our message at church yesterday really hit home. You will laugh. Maybe. Our pastor is quite tall and quite large. Maybe 300-350 pounds. He told the story of flying on an airplane and not realizing until they were told to 'fasten the seatbelts' - that he couldn't. Had to ask for an extension. Last week he flew and he said he was prepared.... he had bought an extension to carry with him... he was ready. He even had a seat that had lots of leg room. He was one of the first people on the plane and had his choice of seats. He put his extension on the seat belt and settled in... only to be asked.... "Are you using a belt extension?" He said "Yes". To which he was then told, "I'm sorry, you cannot sit here if you are using an extension because this is the exit row - and we need people who can easily get out of their seatbelts should the need arise." So this big man had to get up from his spacious seat and try to find a seat amongst the few left, as the plane was nearly fully loaded.
So what was his message about? It hit home for me... Procrastination. He asked for hands of those who are procrastinators - and I think my hand was one of the first ones up! I do procrastinate... but I eventually get it done... sometimes. But if I can put it off until tomorrow.... I may do that too. Guilty. He shared his story because he said he has procrastinated for years on eating better and cutting out snacks and exercising, even a little bit. (Ironically, his wife may be 110 pounds soaking wet - she is a tiny thing!) He said to top it off, once he moved and got settled in his new seat, with his seat extension on, the flight attendant brought out the snacks! He said that's what got him that big in the first place!
Procrastination. I think most of us have that trait in us one time or another. We want to do what we want to do.... and not do 'right then' what we can put off. After all, that blanket won't get made just sitting by itself on the couch. The meal won't be prepared by itself; the dishes won't get done by themselves; that book wont' get read by itself; the work won't get done by itself.... you get the picture. We want to do what is fun and not what is not so much fun. I am so guilty of this. When I finish this blanket, I'm going to switch to Christmas gifts to make (what few I can - there isn't much left that I can make for everyone) and leave the baby blanket making to others. BUT... I also want to allow time for reading more. I need to be more focused on fixing healthy meals rather than just throwing something together to fill us up. Healthy meals aren't any harder to make; it just means I have to think it through and fix them.
The acronym "I Will" is what he shared with us yesterday. I = Identify what is most important to you. W = Write down what is important to you - and prioritize the importance. I = Idealize what is the most important - what does it look like to you. L = List everything that is important to you; budget your time to complete it. L = Live your list and be happy doing it.
Proverbs 3:28 (NIV): "Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you' - when you already have it with you."
You already have the ability and power within you to complete the tasks that you want - and need - to accomplish. You have it with you. Don't procrastinate; just get it done!
That's a lesson for all of us! Make that phone call. Send that letter. Make that visit. Get the groceries. Do the dishes. Spend time with that child. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can accomplish today.
Make the list, prioritize the importance to you,, and follow through. Today.
Blessings!
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