The past several months experiencing the life shifting effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, has been challenging to say the least. However, I dare not complain because I know that there are many people experiencing unspeakable loss and pain that I can’t even imagine. I can only hope and pray that should I ever have to endure any loss in connection to the virus, my faith and trust in God will keep me in His perfect peace. My prayers are with all who have been tragically affected by this pandemic. May God restore your hope, peace, and bless you and your family abundantly.
During this time of “Safer at Home” and mandated “Social Distancing”, I personally have used what I call my “at will time,” to closely reflect on my life. What does God want me to see, do or learn in this moment. One of the things that has become crystal clear to me, is that I tend to procrastinate when it comes to completing household and other personal tasks. Many people who know me, may not believe this about me, because I really don’t like doing things last minute. Yet, I’ve discovered that even with being home more, there are several tasks and important decisions to be made, that I continue to put off. I presume that it’s due in large part to poor time management; believing that I have time to get it done.
If you are anything like me, you tell yourself, “I can do that tomorrow or next week.” Considering the current state of the world, we should know now more than ever, that tomorrow is not promised; time is of the essence. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it should have taught us that we need to be prepared. In other words, we need to get our house in order! Getting your house in order can mean several different things; however, I believe it to be, get your personal and financial affairs in order. If we have not already done so, we should take this time to make a will, or living will, or update it if needed. If we still have minor children, identify and confirm who will continue to raise them should something happen to us. Most importantly, we should want to know where we are going when we leave this earth.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines procrastination as: “to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done.” I underlined the word intentionally, because it’s important to note that we are mindful of what we are doing when we procrastinate. The parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, teaches about the cost of procrastination. Five of the virgins thought time was on their side. Sadly, it was not, and the door was closed. Jesus simply said to them “truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” I “by faith” believe that whenever my time comes to leave this earth, I have a relationship with God, that He loves me, and He knows my name.
COVID-19 has forced us all to live a new normal. A big part of my new normal, is to be more mindful of my attempts to procrastinate, and intentionally work to avoid doing so. I’m choosing to be wiser in the use of my time; being more productive and not foolishly wasteful. God willing, I will be able to get my house completely in order before it’s too late!
Pressing Towards the Mark
AJ
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