What Are You Putting Off?

There is an ever-growing stack of paperwork on my craft room floor. It's been there for over a week now and I do believe that it is feeding and replenishing itself. I couldn't even begin to tell you half of what's in it, but I know there are pages that need to be filed, some that need shredded and some that just need to be read.

Yes...I've been putting it off. I'm fully aware of how much time and energy that one particular pile is going to take. It's not a fun task, it's not exciting and it's definitely not the most glamorous thing I will have done all day. I'm just plain procrastinating.

I also know that I need to go tackle the rose bushes. If I want more brilliant blooms, I need to get out there and prune. There are a couple of closets bursting at the seams that are overdue for a straightening. And don't even mention cleaning the fan blades all over the house - so far I've only done one fan. The rest have been on my list for absolutely ages.

Does this sound like your own personal putting-off list? We procrastinate with a lot of things, not just with the chores we'd rather not tackle. While there are things around the house that deserve our attention, matters of greater importance quickly fall into that "I'll Do It Tomorrow" category.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

* When was the last time you visited one of your church's shut-ins, or even wrote her a letter? I am so guilty of waiting until a more convenient season, which never seems to come. Then I imagine checking an empty mailbox every day and waiting for the phone to ring. Tomorrow isn't soon enough to touch someone's life with God's love.

* Do you pray immediately when someone asks you to? How easy is it to say, Of course I'll pray for your health/child/spouse/situation, and then forget all about it? Either write it down in your prayer journal at that moment, or take the time right there to pray with that person. Yes, God knows about the situation, but it's our responsibility to intercede. Can't do that if we never get around to it.

* That woman who scans your purchases in the grocery store may not be there next week. The man who fills your prescriptions may have moved on by the next time you stop in. If we don't take every opportunity possible to witness to those around us, we may never have the chance. Today may bring something we weren't expecting, leaving no option for tomorrow. And God's Word will never return void, so don't put it off.

I would hate to put something important like these blessings off until tomorrow and then face God this afternoon. I would only have excuses for why I didn't use the time He gave me to the fullest - for Him. If tomorrow never comes, I want to fill this day earnestly and lovingly with things that can't wait until another day.

So now, I'm off to write a note of encouragement. And pull out the shredder.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Recovering An Old Card Table And Making It Usable Again

Image
This card table recover project has been on my to-do list for months. I've been using it as my workspace in the craft room for quite some time, and it sees a lot of abuse. Here it is now, with a neutral cover on it so I can take better pictures for my tutorials. There were dents and dings in the old blue covering from metal tools. And yes, I've used my embossing heat tool on it several times, leaving pretty good scars. The padding underneath the blue cover also made it difficult to keep paper crafts flat when adhering them together, so it was time for something new. That's where a simple vinyl tablecloth comes in handy. The process to recover the table is pretty simple, but I learned a couple of lessons the hard way. I share them with you now. First, don't do this on any surface but a carpet. I tried it on the deck int he sunshine to get better pictures, but all it did was tear up the cover. Second, get a second pair of hands to help you kee
Read more

Simple DIY Beaded Keychains

Image
We're having so much fun putting together goodie bags and door prizes for our upcoming ladies retreat at the church. So many of our ladies have donated craft supplies, decorations, time and energy to treat our visitors to an amazing time. These keychains are just one of the gifts some of the attendees will find in their bags. All you need to make them are a variety of beads, some fairly thin yet sturdy cord and a jump ring. Cut a length of cord, fold it in half and string it through the jump ring. String matching beads on both sides. And tie it off with a double knot. So simple, yet so pretty. Here's another variation: Cut a length of cord, fold it in half and thread it through a jump ring. Tie one or two beads on one side and tie it off with a knot. Make the other side longer with additional letters and beads before tying it off. Make a variety of lengths, colors, patterns and phrases so no two are alike.
Read more

Debilitating Disappontment

The things of this life tend to disappoint us. People aren't who we'd like them to be, events we'd hoped for never occur and things we'd expected to happen in a certain way never come to pass. I've tried relying on everything else in this life - relationships, career, better finances. When we look to mankind for answers or for hope, we will surely be disappointed. Our own misconceptions of life's circumstances leads us down a long, dreary path. What we plan and see inside our head doesn't always match what others see, or what may actually be reality. Looking into ourselves for "clarity" directs us straight to depression and failure. Have you ever heard yourself say, "I couldn't care less" and truly meant it? Having confidence in our own power to change our outlook means that we care more about the circumstances themselves rather than how to grow as Christian women. God is the only unchanging factor in our uncertain world. Focusing on
Read more