10 November 2001

Subject: Tomorrow

Dear Ones,

 

Well, another Saturday is here although we might like to put it off for a while longer.

 

It's natural in life to procrastinate because in our minds we can always do that "whatever" tomorrow. Allow me to tell you a little story about my procrastination.

 

When I retired and we moved back to Louisiana to live, I needed to introduce myself to some of my neighbors whom I had never met before. In due time, I got around to meet all my immediate neighbors, but there was one who lived about 3 miles away that I had heard about, but I just kept putting off going to see him. He was a sheep rancher who had a large herd of registered stock. I kept thinking, "I'll get down to see Mr. Hughes... tomorrow."

 

One Saturday morning, I needed to take my truck in for it's annual safety inspection. I told Leavon that today was finally the day I was going to stop by and introduce myself to Mr. Hughes since I had to pass by his house on my way to and from the vehicle inspection station. As I drove past his ranch, I thought to myself, "I'll stop by, for sure, on my way back home."

 

As my vehicle was being inspected, I asked the lady station attendant if she knew Mr. Hughes the sheep rancher. She said, "I sure do. He was a real nice man." I didn't pick up on her speaking in the past tense about Mr. Hughes as I mentioned that I had never met him and was going to stop by on my way home and meet the man. She looked up at me and exclaimed, "Well, you waited a day too long.... Mr. Hughes died last evening."

 

I felt terrible about my procrastination and was determined now, even more, to call at the house of Mr. Hughes on this day. I stopped by, introduced myself to Mrs. Hughes and her adult son, and told them the story I am telling you now. They thanked me for coming, wished me well, and invited me back for a visit, anytime.

 

I left the Hughes home that morning with tears in my eyes and a promise to try to do better. Since that day, I have tried to "follow my heart" and not to procrastinate... especially when it involves people.

 

If you have been thinking that you would like to procrastinate less, but just haven't gotten around to it yet, perhaps these words will help:

Tomorrow

 

He was going to be all that a mortal could be... tomorrow.

 

None should be stronger or braver than he... tomorrow.

 

A friend who was troubled and weary he knew, Who'd be glad of a lift and who needed it, too, On him he would call to see what he could do...tomorrow.

 

Each morning he'd stack up the letters he'd write...tomorrow.

 

And he thought of the friends he would fill with delight...tomorrow.

 

It was too bad indeed; he was busy each day, And hadn't a minute to stop on his way; "More time I'll give to others," he'd say... "tomorrow."

 

The greatest of workers this man would have been...tomorrow.

 

The world would have known him, had he ever seen...tomorrow.

 

But the fact is he died, and faded from view, And all that he left here when living was through Was a mountain of things he intended to do... tomorrow.

 

Maybe today is the day to do whatever you have been putting off. There well may be no tomorrow.

 

Blessings!!

 

Don