Tomorrow…The Perfect Day by Martin Wiles

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” A statement normally used to reprimand procrastination. The practice involves putting off until tomorrow and comes from “pro” meaning “forward” and “crastinus” meaning “belonging to tomorrow.”

Saturday was my day off from school and church. I looked forward to romping in the woods, playing cops and robbers or cowboys and Indians, or riding my bike. Things kids did before technology took over.

Saturday was also the day Mom assigned her “To Do” list to Dad: rake the leaves, cut the grass, wash the outside windows, wash the car, etc. I was the oldest child and inherited the “privilege” of helping. When I asked why I had to, Dad would blab; “Don’t put off…”

God was plaguing the Egyptians so they would free his people from slavery. Moses asked Pharaoh when he wanted God to remove the frog plague, and he gave the classic procrastinator’s reply: I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile. “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said (Exodus 8:9-10).

Unimportant matters can wait until tomorrow, but procrastination assigns critical matters to the future because of fear, unconcern, insecurity or just plain laziness.

The hobo on one Andy Griffith episode said tomorrow was the most perfect day ever invented. What have you been putting off that needs doing now? Or at least planning now? A growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a servant attitude can’t wait until tomorrow.

Prayer: God of tomorrow, show us what needs tending to today.

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