Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Procrastinators Club
* Scripture: "Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up , that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem." Luke 9:51, NKJV (See also Mark 8:31-38)

I've been thinking about officially joining the Procrastinators Club - that is, if I can ever get around to it.
I suppose that I have a lot of company, people with a long To-Do list, maybe a Job Jar, things that need to be done, things that lack the glamor and appeal of - say, enjoying a little 'Down-time.' "All work and no play" is not good for us, you know.
We rationalize that the world will not come to an end if we neglect, or put off, cleaning chores, like closets and larger collecting areas. Autos are supposed to be rain-proof, after all, so what if the garage is protecting other more critical stuff. Perfectly made-up beds are just a vanity thing, right? Lots of little chores can always wait for inspiration - and another day.
Then there are those things that we really, really have to do, but dread the very thought of it - the doctor, the dentist. Wee folk may envision the haircutter as nothing short of an executioner, ready to perform an amputation, and behave accordingly. Even older folk sometimes resist such a drastic modification to their countenance.
This latter category definitely includes things for which neglect could bring an end to the world, or at least our participation in it. That little lump, the sore that doesn't seem to heal, a cough that just won't go away could be an indicator of a life-threatening situation. Many people will not face the reality until it is too late! The pain of treatment is thought to be more alarming than the "comfort" of not worrying about it.
Consider, then, the thoughts that Jesus must have had as he faced what lay ahead in Jerusalem. His disciples were duly concerned, reflecting only on the safety of their Master.
Some things indeed have to be done, even though the thought is as alarming as a two year old in the barber's chair. Or a root canal.
In Jesus' case, God's plan could only be completed if Jesus was totally obedient, even unto death.
Sometimes we need to pause and reflect upon the challenges, even if the immediate effect seems to be unbearable or painful.
Then, to set our face toward doing God's will, even as Jesus has done.
March 5, 2006