Have you ever stopped to think about how important timing is? I hadn’t until Rick Warren encouraged me to do so. Most everything in life has a perfect timing. Volleyball – my sport of choice growing up – had a timing aspect, as do all sports. The timing between the setter and spiker, batter and pitcher, passer and catcher, snapper and kicker is significant. And altering it by even milliseconds can affect the outcome.
Same thing with buying stocks, telling jokes, reaping the seeds you sow…the list goes on and on. Do the right thing, but at the wrong time, and Houston could have a problem!
Today I’d like to encourage you to think about the events from your life when you should have slowed down. Perhaps prior to a major life decision? The bible tells us that we should carefully consider the direction of our life, for if we do, all our ways will be sure (Proverbs 4:26). If we make a major decision when we’re mad, sad, frustrated, or depressed, we are likely to misstep. But if we hold off until we’re level headed and spiritually grounded, we’re more likely to make a Godly decision, which is the right decision.
On the other hand, what choices in your life should you have made faster? Been tempted by someone or something that, had you boot scooted right past, wouldn’t have sucked you in? The bible repeatedly states to flee (as in, run – not walk, not linger, not contemplate) from sin. What about showing or requesting forgiveness – either to yourself or someone else? Matthew 5:23-24 tells us that we should “immediately” reconcile. When our heart is heavy with unforgiveness, we complicate our life: we add unnecessary stress, have resentment and bitterness running through our veins, and we start making choices out of pride and spite.
You see friends, timing is everything. Analyze your life today and ponder where you should maybe slow down or speed up. And if you’re unsure which to do in any given situation, get out life’s perfect instruction manual and start readin’.
