There Are Fewer Words More Dangerous Than “Later”

Last month, Sean Kerman wrote those words - or something like that - in an article, I stumbled across. At that point in the article, I was about 11 lines away from the end of the article - yet, the procrastinator in me suggested I pause my reading, scroll through my Instagram timeline for a few minutes and continue reading later. 

Later. 

Sean was right about this word, after all. In the context of the season that we are in, the truth in Sean’s words is even more glaring. We, finally, have space and time to do more but at the same time, we are more tempted not to. We are living in a vacuum - of time - and the emptiness confuses us so much that those things we set out to do within this time could either seem worthless or overindulgent.

Should we be resting?

Should we be productive?

Should we learn new skills?

Should we hone in on the skills we already have?

Should we buy stocks in today’s bear market?

Should we be more mindful of our cash flow needs?

Should we spend money on an online version of our business?

Should we audit our business and save money for when our cities reopen or just so the business can survive these times?

It is difficult for me to think of later when I’m not quite finished with now.

We are currently having to choose between doing and not doing. In other words, now or later - and these days, procrastination is way more attractive. Recently, I was asked if I think the dreams I have for my life will still come to fruition despite the crisis we are in. My answer was I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t - but God knows and I’m fine with whatever He decides to do. 

The world is changing. Industries, economies and laws are changing. I have no idea how this will affect my life, career or dreams but it is difficult for me to think of later when I’m not quite finished with now. Even in a crisis, there is a now to focus on. We are all humans and nothing more. We know only what we know. Everything else is imagined. If 2020 has taught us anything, it should be that we don’t know tomorrow.

Regardless of what Bill Gates says, no one really predicted what we are going through. Regardless of what Theresa Tam tells us, no one really knows how or when things will get better. Later is too unknown and too far to live like we know it all. We don’t - but God does. So, in this season, I’m choosing to focus on now - and I’m encouraging you to do so too. 

Rest now. Work now. Learn now. Study now. Invest now. Save your money now. Love now. Later is such a dangerous word. Try not to use it often. 

This article was initially published in my biweekly collection of letters - the first and the 15th. Subscribe here to read more articles like this.