For a while now, something has been rattling around in my mind. Are you OK with me letting you in on it? (Coming into my space may not be exactly safe.)
Why do we do what we do when we do it? Why don’t we do something else? What moves us to act without hesitation on some things, and let others wither away in hopes that they will eventually die on the vine? Is this normal, or is it rare? Who can honestly say that they always, in every case, act on (and accomplish) that which is necessary, but perhaps not desired?
Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
Am I the only person who struggles with this and finds it true in their life? If this weren’t true with me, this post would have been put up over two weeks ago…
What does this have to do with living an intentional life?
If you are trying to figure out how this ranting fits within the thread of life that’s developing here, allow me to address your confusion. It makes sense to me, and I trust it will to you in a bit.
We have been showing that real life, true life, life that makes an impact and difference in the world, is a life lived for the good and sake of others. When we give of ourselves – our time, talent, and treasure-to someone, we are saying to them that at this moment, “You matter enough to me to set aside my self-interests in order to help you with yours.”
This demonstrates in a tangible way what Paul wrote in Philippians 2:3-4, where he says, “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Paul is encouraging us to do what we do for the right reasons, and with the right attitude. He calls us to not only care about ourselves, but also to care for others. This call is inclusive of every aspect of our lives.
How does this relate to living?
How does this merge with my musings? In this way: procrastination is a killer of time, talent, and treasure. We often miss the chance to make a difference with people when we put off things that serve them to do the things that serve us. Serving others is usually an inconvenience for us, and often not fun. Thus, doing only those things that are fun, or interesting, feeds our selfish desires.
With me, I recognize that my own procrastination has cost me the ability to live within the lives of others, because I am focused on myself alone. Doing the right thing instead of the expedient one or the fun one moves the world, because it moves people. The world consists of people, all of whom need help from time to time.
Isn’t procrastination simply a self-serving action taken solely for personal amusement and pleasure?
It’s something to think about, isn’t it?
