The Fierce Urgency of Now
Shortly before his untimely death, pitchman, Billy Mays was interviewed in American Way Magazine. He remarked, "I'm not going to let other people who may have a problem with me-the way I pitch--deter me because I have a lot to give and a lot to do yet in my life. I think there's a bigger platform out there for me now."
Dr. Jeff Myers, professor at Bryan College, happened upon this article and made the following observation:
"I think there's a bigger platform out there for me now."
Those words haunted me. How often have I pinned my hopes on the platform I could stand on in the future, or the greater good I could do tomorrow, or the ideas I have for someday.
This simple interview with Billy Mays reminds me that there are no guarantees. My careful planning for tomorrow must not trump the influence I must seek to have today.
When it comes to mentoring, coaching and discipling the next generation, this moment, now, is the most important platform there is. Take time now to give a blessing. Go to lunch today with someone who needs your encouragement. Be reconciled with others today. Make that phone call now.
Martin Luther King was right. There is a fierce urgency of now.
I pray for more time to focus on the eternal since "only what's eternal will come through the fire".
ReplyDeleteAs I try to focus on how I would live each day as if it were my last, I KNOW without a doubt that I wouldn't spend it working or cleaning, unless it was for someone else.
Hmmm - is there any chance that cooking, cleaning, washing cars, sweeping the garage and taking out the trash not to mention hours of paperwork every day could be eternal?
As we grow older, we begin to realize that we never will accomplish all that we dreamed of. God has set a task before us in the now. Do it with all of your heart, mind and soul. Let God worry about tomorrow. He has other tasks for each of us and He will reveal them in His time. Rememeber Jesus said, He who has been faithful in little things...
ReplyDeleteOr maybe even let God worry about today! Thank you Steve, whoever you are!
ReplyDelete