Take the Initiative

A walk in the greensImage by Uiruriamu via Flickr

Look at an ant...
Proverbs 6:6

Too many of us are waiting for someone to come along and tell us what to do next. The story is told of a man who was employed by a duke and duchess. One day he was called in to speak to his employer. 'James, how long have you been with us?' said the Duchess. 'About 30 years, Your Grace,' he replied. 'As I recall you were employed to look after the dog,' she said. 'Yes, Your Grace.' 'James, that dog died 27 years ago,' said the Duchess. 'Yes, Your Grace,' said James, 'What would you like me to do now?'

Why do we fail to take the initiative? Because we don't realise the consequences of our inaction. Solomon writes: 'Look at an ant...Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food...So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy - do you know what comes next?...a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest' (Proverbs 6:6-11 TM). Whatever we do or neglect to do always catches up with us. Those who procrastinate end up like the man in playwright James Albery's verse: 'He slept beneath the moon, he baked beneath the sun. He lived a life of going-to-do; and died with nothing done.' Paul writes: 'God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well' (Romans 12:6 TLB). Knowing your ability is one of the keys to understanding life's assignment. But you can only plan and prepare for so long, then you've got to take action!

Copied from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

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Comments

Look at an ant. Enjoy this taken.
Beautiful.
dot said…
Good post Mike! Our preacher did his sermon not long ago on the ant in Proverbs.
Happyone said…
Great post and with that I'm going to get off this computer and get some work done. :-)
imac said…
I think work and play should go hand in hand, work hard and play hard, by play I consider taking in Nature is play- to enjoy the Earth, growth, seasons, mountains-water-plant-life.
Photo Cache said…
This is a very good reminder. Hoped you had a good Easter and may you have a blessed Easter season.
Leslie: said…
Good post, Mike. I really should get off this computer and do something else now. lol
Paulie said…
I thought that's what I was doing when I went back to college and graduated at 40. I guess I don't have the personality or looks to get hired permanently so my dream of teaching for 30 years never came to fruition.
Now I spend my retirement poor in monetary ways but rich in LIFE.
Anonymous said…
How very true my friend.

The Sheep get caught easily

in the thorns and can't get out

themselves!

Keep reaching out for them.

God Bless,
BrotherMark
growandknow.blogspot.com
Andrea said…
Great post. I am NOT a procrastinator. They make me nervous. I want things done before time and not wait until the last minute. And I am a take control kind of person. If I see something needs to be done, I jump in there and do it. I try not to run over other people but I want it done.
Wanda said…
Great Photo....and greater story!! Wow, I love the story and the Scripture...I've missed you posts while I was gone, Mike....nice to be back.

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