PROCRASTINATION defined by Webster as: to put off doing (something) until later; delay
I think in some way we all have our own definition of procrastination and our own way of working around it. I personally fall into that category – for example I have put off writing this article for a while now.
We all procrastinate or put off something. We put off going to the doctor, dentist, losing weight, exercising, making a will or living trust. You get the idea; I could go on and on. I think it’s one of those traits we all have in some capacity but hate to admit.
Another thing we all have in common is putting off or building a relationship with God. What /why is it that we procrastinate in making a commitment or spend time with God?
What led me to write this article was that I have recently been approached by a number of people, firefighters included. Many question their faith in regards to their relationship with God and that of their children.
As firefighters we live by faith and put our faith on the line everyday, especially every time you are called on an incident, on and off duty. We put our faith and trust in our fellow firefighters, our experience, and in our equipment. We train hard physically, mentally and academically; we prepare ourselves to the best of our ability for anything unforeseen. We depend on each and every one of them and pray that when the going gets tough we will overcome and be successful at the end.
But when it comes to our faith in God we are not always as prepared, trustful or solid in our beliefs. We are not always ready to accept the challenges God may call us on. Augustine a fourth century writer said that, “Faith is to believe what you do not yet see, the reward is to see what you believe.”
We all have faith, some not as much as another, but it only takes the faith of a mustard seed to move mountains (Matt. 17:20). We all have the innate desire to love and to be loved, because God is love. Peter reminds us that although you have not seen him you love him; you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
The gift and beauty of it all is that God is patient and kind. And like the prodigal son, God will meet you where you are, when you’re ready and receive you with open arms and prepare a feast for you like you never had before.
Peace,
Jess Pasos
LAFD Chaplain