The Task List For Today
What I have on my list for today is not what I must get done today. A daily task list, or to do list, is a misnomer. I create a running task list and some of the items must be done today.
But the more I get done today, the easier my tomorrows may be. Right?
We’ve all heard and used the saying of old:
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” ~Benjamin Franklin
But there is a comical one from an American writer:
“Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.” ~Mark Twain
This morning, my task list for today is getting the better of me. I am a procrastinator, at times, and when the pressure of the deadline approaches it seems I do better work, quicker. But, I do not like to procrastinate. However, some of my deadlines are simply self-imposed dates. They do not have a specific time that they must be completed. They are only dates that I wish to have the task done.
On the other hand, the tasks that are set in stone with a deadline are easily left till it’s almost too late… Almost. I will get up earlier, stay up later, ignore other activities – just to finish them. I find there are times that a pressure cooker creates faster responses and better work.
I woke this morning thinking about a task that must get done today. Well, it could be done tomorrow, but today is my goal. I would like tomorrow to be free to spend some time with my wife, if possible, so I push for today.
Scripture speaks of the priorities of the day.
- I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4 KJV)
- But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; … (Hebrews 3:13 KJV)
- And so it was, on the sixth day, that they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. And all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. Then he said to them, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’ ” (Exodus 16:22-23 NKJV)
Work while you have today… Exhort (reach out to) each other daily, while you have Today to do it… Israel would gather and cook enough for the Sabbath as they were not allowed to work or cook on the Sabbath – do it today, for tomorrow.
Each of these scriptures gives the hint of the necessity of today. We cannot worry about yesterday, and tomorrow has it’s own worries.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34 NKJV)
Yesterday. Day. Tomorrow (forever) – That’s Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 13:8) My yesterdays are gone. Tomorrow has not yet happened. Today is here. Get’er done!