Sometimes, my ability to procrastinate astounds me. I think of myself as a planner, a lover of the “to do” list, and yet, the things I put off are often the most important. Changing this is long overdue. In fact, the time is now.
I will get the emails out, have the team meetings, make sure everyone is on the same page. I never miss a deadline. I believe in clearing my plate so I can have time to rest. Sounds great to me, but inevitably things go undone. You see, the things I put off are phone calls to friends, cards of caring, and even time with family. My head knows that people are far more important than things and that family is more important than work. Yet, I continue to get it backwards all the time.
I don’t know what tomorrow brings. I can plan for good health, happiness and prosperity, but I’m not fully in control. The time is now for me to start living what this scripture calls me to – a deep-spirited friend.
1-4 If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. (Philippians 2:1-4 MSG).
This scripture reminds me to pay attention to what I value most, others. We are called to be agreeable and love others and put ourselves aside. That is not always easy. Being that deep-spirited friend means getting the cards in the mail, making time to see family and friends and taking advantage of today’s opportunities for they might not be there tomorrow. The time is now for me to adjust my priorities and “to do” list. Taking the time to be present with those around me and a little less task oriented will go along way.
The reality is when I focus on others and put myself aside, I am the one who is blessed. I am the one who is encouraged. I am the one who is rewarded. I’m in.
How about you? Is the time now? Are you ready to put yourself aside? How have you experienced the blessing of this scripture? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.