Saturday, September 11, 2010

Procrastination


"No unwelcome tasks become any the less unwelcome by putting them off till tomorrow. It is only when they are behind us and done, that we begin to find that there is a sweetness to be tasted afterwards, and that the remembrance of unwelcome duties unhesitatingly done is welcome and pleasant. Accomplished, they are full of blessing, and there is a smile on their faces as they leave us. Undone, they stand threatening and disturbing our tranquility, and hindering our communion with God. If there by lying before you any bit of work from which you shrink, go straight up to it, and do it at once. The only way to get rid of it is to do it."

~ Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) ~




This chronic procrastinator is feeling both convicted and inspired by the talk we heard this morning about the importance of time stewardship! Rev. MacLaren's words are so true -- if I postpone unpleassant (but necessary) tasks, all they do is create *extra* stress and anxiety! And that's not something I'm keen on.

So here's to increased diligence in my daily responsibilities, and to being more purposeful in choosing activities that have eternal benefit.

6 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting this! Definitely something to work on.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You beat me to that quote! :)

    I loved the way he emphasized the roles-goals-priorities method. That seminar was so beneficial -- if, of course, I apply. *sigh*

    Love in Christ,
    Jane Ellen

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a wonderful reminder! I can be a real procrastinator as well, so this was really good for me to hear. Thanks for sharing, Shannon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Shannon - what a great talk that sounds to have been! I especially like the part of the quotation where he points out that procrastination distracts us from God. What an excellent incentive!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ouch, definitely feeling the conviction myself here.

    And I guess truly if I were to not spend so much time thinking of reasons why I should put off what I dislike doing, and just do it, I'd have more free time than I knew what to do with.

    Thanks for the reminder and encouragement to do better!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I agree! It really does help and is better to not put off tasks, but to do them with the Lords strength alone! Amen

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thank you so much for stopping by!