Dangerous Delays

Things that are done too late don’t count. At least, they don’t count as much as things that are done when they should be done. Time is an element in everything we do⎯and it often runs out on us when we indulge in dangerous delays. Often when children are asked to do something, they answer, “In a minute!” But their minutes are often multiplied. And when they finally do what they have been asked to do, it is often at their own convenience. But there is a big difference between doing something when we ought to do it and doing something when we get “good and ready.” Performances after the show is over don’t mean much. Touchdowns made after time has been called don’t count. Medicine administered after the patient has recovered⎯or died⎯doesn’t do any good, either. The doctor’s prescription had better be taken when the illness is acute, without waiting for fatal or favorable results. Kindness and comfort and consideration that are offered too late don’t count for much, either. We need kindness and encouragement when we need it. And one encouraging word at a critical time would mean much more than a thousand words after it is too late. Things that come too late often find that something else has filled their place. Sometimes when people are struggling to establish themselves, there are some few friends who give them what help and encouragement they can. But when they finally “arrive,” they find many “friends” flocking to them and those who wouldn’t life a hand when it was most needed often eagerly extend open arms. When people are “out of the woods,” the windows open, and offers of services and assistance are poured out upon them, where there were none to be found before. Sometimes when people are under attach, their friends fade away⎯except perhaps one or two or a few who prove themselves to be “friends in need.” And then after they have been through the battle, their fair-weather friends begin to drift back and wish them well. There are many things in life that must be done when thy must be done. When time runs out, we may make some recovery. We may be permitted to play again another day. We may convince others that we have repented. But it is hazardous to leave things too late. Great regrets often come from dangerous delays. It is important to score before the gun has ended the game.