It’s Tomorrow, Scarlet (9/9/2023)

I don’t know how it happened, but somehow, I got the Scarlet O’Hara “tomorrow” gene. You know the one. “Tomorrow’s another day. I will think about it tomorrow.” On any given day, somewhere in my home or life there is a stack of something that is waiting for tomorrow. This morning as I walked to my roll top desk to do my blog, I couldn’t help but notice that the “in-box” on my file cabinet was stacked a full six inches above the sides and my desktop looked like a troll station in the busy season. And it hit me. It’s tomorrow, Scarlet.

Indeed, as soon as I hit “publish” on this blog, I am going to tackle those two things. And it will feel great to have a tidy home office. But in the back of my mind, I am thinking that I know myself, and within a short period of time there will probably be another outbreak of “Scarlet O’Hara’s ‘tomorrow’” in my life. I need to figure out a way to send her packing for good.

I must tell you, in full disclosure, that my “Scarlet gene” isn’t limited to this physical build-up in my office. I have a tendency to do the same thing spiritually. I will see an undesirable habit developing or a desirable habit waning, and I’ll make a mental note, but it stays there like the note in Liberty Mutual ad on tv – you know the one where the woman doesn’t want to forget something, so she writes it on a post-it-note on her phone and her daughter spies a “Pick up dad at the airport” note.

As I sit here this morning, really thinking about my “Scarlet gene” and the need to send it and her packing, I am reminded of the 10 virgins with their lamps waiting for the bridegroom. I would have to put myself in the “foolish virgin” column. I’m not feeling good about that right now. It has been a long time coming, but this morning I realize that I need the help of the Spirit and the grace of perseverance to be more attentive to not only my physical surroundings but also my spiritual. Heaven and I both know that “tomorrow” is not guaranteed; I need to tackle things as I come upon them, as I recognize their existence.

Hopefully, as we continue our journey, we will employ the help of the Holy Spirit in keeping us focused and in helping us to use the time we are given wisely and lovingly.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.