Now or Never
This phrase, seen on an advertisement on the tram, sums up a philosophy of mine pretty succinctly. When it comes to resolutions, fresh starts, or goals, the best time to begin is today. Each day--each moment even--forgiveness is real, and a second chance is possible.
"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. "
Lamentations 3:22-23
This truth is both comforting and motivating. God's faithfulness and compassion allow me to try again. His power equips me for a new effort. But I need to exert that effort now. When I know the good I ought to do, I need to do it. If I sense a change needs to be made, I should make it. Obedience has to start somewhere.
I'm in the middle of living out this idea right now. Because of some friends' gentle reminders, I've had an important conversation to take care of an issue. What a positive experience! It wasn't easy, but the outcome and relief were fantastic. Now, there are some other changes--goals, really--that I need to initiate. Time for prayer, meditation on truth, wisdom from others is essential, but now it is time just to do it.
When I was young, my family ate dinner together each night. After presenting some honestly delicious casserole that has developed my lifestyle of cooking in one pot, Mom would announce a dessert. We kids would snatch it up eagerly, but Dad would decline for the moment. "Later," he'd say as he headed to the study. In unison, the remaining Ooms family members would chime, "Later never comes," because by this time we knew that there would not be any German Chocolate Cake left when Dad decided to come back for some. The opportunity would pass.
For me, my father's daughter, the same is true of doing good or making a change.
Later never comes. Each day is New Year's Eve. Now or never.
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