Healthy discontent is a good thing, former procrastinators. That’s what we have when we get fed up with putting things off and decide to do what needs doing when it needs doing.
A lady told me she was so delighted with her baby she held her constantly. After some time, she took the baby to the doctor, expressing concern that her precious little one had not turned over.
The doctor responded, “Mom, you must put her down and leave her alone. She has to want to change her position. She needs to be discontent with her state so she will exercise herself to move. She’ll turn over when you stop providing for every desire before she even has it.”
So this mom left her baby in the crib longer than she wanted to, and sure enough, in no time, her little daughter turned over. She also began to grow in other ways because she had motivation and opportunity to do so. She had evidently been satisfied with mom providing comfort and every desire; but when that provision was limited appropriately, she exercised herself to do what she was capable of doing – and liked it!
As daughters of the King, we have the special privilege of climbing into our Father’s lap any time. It’s a comforting place to be and we should go there often. However, sometimes He makes us “get down” in a sense and play with other children, pick up our toys, or eat our breakfast.
It’s not ever that God leaves us alone to fend for ourselves, but being wise and loving, He puts us in positions that require us to exercise ourselves- to use the brain, muscles, talent, curiosity with which He has equipped us. We have to trust Him and step out – take a class, teach a class, take the tough client. When we do what He urges, we return to His lap delighted and with even more trust and joy in Him.
Healthy dissatisfaction moves us to learn to walk, talk, dress ourselves. Healthy dissatisfaction also gets tired of procrastination and its consequences. It’s our Father, stirring us to action.
Like a parent when a child is learning to walk, our Father is watchful, wise, and loving. He’s right with us, urging you and me to use the abilities He’s put in us. He positions us to do that. He has more things in mind for us than shrinking into His lap because some demand is unpleasant. When that challenging confrontation must be dealt with or that longed-for goal feels far away, it’s time to trust His prompting, scramble out of His lap, and exercise what He’s given us.
Have you seen a baby at the exact moment when she first turns over? The startled expression is priceless! Then pleasure. Imagine the thoughts. “Cool! Did I do that? Can I do it again?” There is wonder and joy in growth.
What healthy discontent with procrastination do you have? What will you do about it this week?
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