Prepare, Not Delay
- snowens3
- Apr 25, 2024
- 5 min read
I remember the first time I made apple pie. I remember researching the best apples to use, the crust, the type of pan, and cooking time. I found multiple recipes that would be good to follow. I proceeded to go grocery shopping for all the ingredients to make this pie. Once I had obtained all the necessary ingredients, I began to think about the next step: peel and slice the apples. This phase of apple pie is crucial. Why? No apples equal no apple pie. This process is known as preparation in the world of cooking. When you read the instructions on a recipe, the first sections you will see have titles like 'What you need' or 'How to prepare.' Often, you and I want to jump to the end before going through the process to have a successful apple pie. Ask yourself, how often do you push to see the final product but want to avoid going through the preparation process?
In December 2020, I began seeking God for my direction in 2021. The word was 'Prepare.' Ok, so in my mind, I said, "For what?" I didn't receive an answer to my question. Later that year I read Matthew 25:1-13. I immediately saw the benefit of preparation. This passage is a story about ten bridesmaids: five who were wise and five who were foolish. Five came prepared with oil for their lamps, including extra, and five were not prepared by not taking enough oil with them. The five unprepared bridesmaids asked for oil from the five prepared bridesmaids because they thought it would be easier to ask instead of getting more for themselves. This story is a perfect example of why preparation is essential. When you are prepared, and there is a delay, it will not take you by surprise.
I can only imagine how the five unprepared bridesmaids felt when it was time to proceed forward, and they did not have enough oil for their lamps. Just imagine waiting for something or someone so long that the delay was an undetermined length of time. Suddenly, it was time, and now you are supposed to move but you’re not prepared. I asked myself this question: does procrastination cause anxiety? In my opinion, procrastination does cause anxiety. In my experience, procrastination caused me to rush and lack patience. Procrastination creates a stressful situation for oneself and those involved. Think about how you felt when procrastination was at your front door. I imagine you felt scrambled, caught off guard, disorganized, constantly rushing, or even experiencing forgetfulness. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, anxiety is an apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness over an impending or anticipated, mentally distressing concern or interest mixed with doubt and fear, which can be marked by physical signs such as tension, sweating, or increased heart rate.[1] For some, anxiety is an emotion that is felt and experienced in certain situations. In contrast, others are diagnosed with anxiety as a disorder. Did you know that anxiety can be controlled and decreased by how you prepare?
Preparation requires:
Small steps equal GREATER results
No matter what you are planning, what goals you are setting, or whatever you dream of accomplishing, what's one thing we constantly do? We instantly think about the ending and what we have envisioned. There's nothing wrong with that; however, we forget to think about how we are getting there. In getting there, smaller steps need to be taken to meet the bigger picture. When you break down the bigger plan, goal, or dream, you will have a more significant impact on seeing the fulfillment of your plans, goals, or dreams. For example, your goal is to become a homeowner, but you have outstanding debt. To make this goal a reality, you may first gather all your debt amounts and begin to see which ones are delinquent. You then start to make your payments on time for all debts and get your delinquent debts in good standing. Here's another example: you are planning a family trip for about twenty people. To make the trip successful, you may begin with who is interested in going, then proceed to research the respective place. Your next step would be to send information to the family to review, along with prices, deadlines, etc.
Adopt this mentality of smaller steps. It will decrease the anxiety procrastination produces. The greater result is less stress. The less stress you experience, the more you will have patience, be better organized, and be less nervous. Give it a try and record your discovery.
Be Flexible
Remember to be flexible as you work through each avenue of planning, goal setting, or your dreams. There will be a moment when something will not go as planned. Stop, take a pause, evaluate, and consider all options presented. Be flexible in the idea that your desired plan may look different. When you try only to produce one outcome or version of your vision, you will create a form of anxiety. It's like trying to force a square into a circle. Be open-minded to the different versions that may present themselves. Navigate the best way possible to accomplish what you are accomplishing. Flexibility with your planning, goal setting, or dreams allows grace to come over you and your situation or desired outcome.
Adopting flexibility takes the pressure off you and that moment. Flexibility helps with remaining calm. When flexibility is in question, one root to consider is control—trying to control every moment, detail, and outcome that is bigger than you will cause you anxiety. Dig deeper to see if control is your root and why. Learn to give yourself grace and flexibility.
Patiently Wait
Instant results. Instant outcomes. Instant, instant, instant. That's what you and I strive for. The question is, why? Why do we strive for instant gratification? Everything you and I do or plan does not always yield instant results. Patient waiting develops patience that you will eventually know was good and the right results at the right time. Think about it like this: If you received everything in an instant, would you be grateful? Some of the toughest and biggest plans, goals, or dreams you set out to do will require you to explore, do some heart work, and even grow your inner self. During those moments, waiting is essential because you will learn to appreciate where you are. Then, when the moment finally happens, gratitude will shine.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Psalms 37:4-7a
Adopting patience in waiting gives your desires to the One who can see it happening. Remember, everything will happen in its proposed time according to the will of God. God wants to see you succeed. He delights in every detail of your life (Ps. 37:23). Ask yourself, "Am I a patient person"? If not, why am I not patient? Journal your findings.
Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Proverbs 14:23
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Proverbs 13:4
Let's break the chain of procrastination and start overcoming this area of bondage. It is time to put a stop to delay and prepare for what's ahead. Take some time to ponder these scriptures and the questions asked, and take a deep or even deeper look into your procrastination area. What's your discovery?
Shantee' Owens
Founder
Free You Purpose Ministry
Feel free to share your the comments.
[1] Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Anxiety. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxiety
Disclosure: All the scriptural references mentioned in today's blog have been quoted from the New Living Translation version.
Disclaimer: This is not a mental health service. If you do struggle with anxiety disorder, please reach out to your local therapist for further assistance.
This is good!
Love this!