“The way of the lazy is overgrown with thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.” (Proverbs 15:19)
Paying for Procrastination
“Procrastination is the thief of time.” Thus says Charles Dickens, not only a beloved author but a Christian apologist (def: one who defends their beliefs) who used his fiction to promote Christian values and ethics. Or, as an elder rabbi know as Hillel wrote, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” Every now and then some of these prophetic words come to mind, usually when I feel the burning desire to finish a project or write my next book that I’ve been putting off and need to motivate myself to get started again. Or when I need to encourage someone to do the same. I love the little parable in the beginning of the book, The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson, which breaks down the prayer of Jabez, an Israelite in the Bible who called out to God: “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” This is followed by, “and God granted what he asked.”
Unopened Gifts
Starting on page 25 of The Prayer of Jabez, Wilkinson tells an imaginary story about Mr. Jones, who goes to heaven and is given the obligatory tour by St. Peter. And along the way, he sees a massive building filled floor to ceiling with gift-wrapped boxes. And these boxes have people’s names on them. Jones asks if there is a box for him, and there is, so Peter reluctantly lets Jones open his box. “There in Mr. Jones’s box are all the blessings that God wanted to give him while he was on earth . . . ” the book reads. “But Mr. Jones had never asked.”
Seize the Present
A family member gave me the book as a gift. She knew my heart…that I was dreaming of being an author. She also is a big believer. And so I write this as a gift to you. Follow your heart. Believe in your dreams. Seize the day, seize the moment, seize the present since it is a gift from God. Work with all you have in you to serve God and others with your unique talents and gifts. And as God promises, you will be rewarded.
Dear Lord, you tell us to ask, seek and knock, and our prayers will be answered. Like Jabez, please be open to our bold, passionate prayers…if it be Your will. Amen.
Thank you, Michele. I needed to read that.
You are most welcome Andrew!!
Oh dear, thanks for reminding me of that book and the room full of gifts. WOW. Gid must need multiple silos filling up for us all. I think I need to be bold to pray the prayer of Jabez over my writing!
Me too Maureen!
I keep plodding along. Techno problems delay too often. I pray over them and it comes to pass. Writing and getting it published are two different beasts, though. I appreciate the encouragement.
Hi Mollie, any time, great to hear from you! I love helping writers (and cheering and encouraging them on) so if you ever want to contact me, please email me at michele@michelechynoweth.com. Take care and God bless, Michele