A famous philosopher told a story about a flock of geese that was starting to head south for the winter. The first night out they landed in a farmer’s yard, and filled themselves with corn.
The next morning they all flew on, except for one. “The corn is good,” this big goose said, “and so I will stay and keep eating for another day.” The next morning he woke up and stretched his wings and said, “No, I’m gonna keep on eating today and fly south tomorrow. Tomorrow is the big day.” He soon developed a habit, “Tomorrow I will fly south.”
Finally one day, it got very cold. Freezing cold. He had to get going. He could freeze to death if he didn’t. And so he stretched out his wings and waddled across the barnyard, picking up speed as he went, faster and faster. But guess what happened? He couldn’t do it. He was too fat to fly. He had waited too long.
The point is clear. Do it now. Don’t put it off.
Erma Bombeck was a wonderful writer. She once wrote, “Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. And finally one morning, we awaken and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of ‘I am going to,’ ‘I plan on,’ and ‘Someday when things are settled down a bit.”
So true. In the year 23 B.C., the Latin poet Horace proclaimed, “Carpe diem.” Seize the day.
Scripture says it like this, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118: 24) Trusting in God, may each of us do this very thing, and do it today. Don’t put it off!