Hitting Snooze
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Insight
Studies have shown that 57% of Americans utilize the snooze button regularly. Those numbers mean that we spend 3.5 months of our lives hitting the snooze button on average. We ignore the buzzer going off welcoming us to a new day. Instead, we tap the button, roll over, and convince ourselves that we will get out of bed eventually. Then there are those of us who can't bear facing our current circumstances, so we pull the covers above our head, hoping they will magically change on their own.
Many of us live our lives, in essence, hitting the snooze button—all of those hopes and dreams we put off for another day. We'll get around to finding our life's purpose a little bit later. We pass off the responsibility for things like developing our prayer life, restoring a broken relationship, getting our finances in order, or decluttering our closets to our future selves. We fail to realize that what we do (or don't do) today matters to who we become tomorrow—being present in the moments given shape our future selves.
The problem with snooze buttons is that they give us the illusion of activity. Because we have the best intentions, and we think (and worry and obsess) about these things, we fool ourselves into believing we are making some headway. But, unfortunately, intentions aren't the same thing as actions. It's hard to take a step of faith or produce any movement when your feet haven't even hit the floor.
Three things drive our procrastination. First, we want to put off the pain. Change is always scary, but that doesn't mean transformation isn't needed. Doing something new or taking a step of faith is uncomfortable and requires us to be stretched. Second, we want to prolong our pleasure and do our will. There are things we know we need to stop or let go of, but deep inside our hearts, we enjoy them and want to continue what we're doing so, we don't act. Temptation appeals to what we want without considering how we were made and who we are becoming.
And, finally, we desire everything mapped out and planned to perfection. We need to know how things will turn out and every step along the path crystal clear before jumping into action. We don't like to fail, and the only way to avoid failing is by not trying in the first place.
All of us are becoming something. The question is whether we are doing it intentionally. If we're going to change our behavior, it begins by changing what we see. An encounter starts with where we set our eyes.
Are our eyes focused on our fears and failures - the obstacles, excuses, and things standing in our way? Or, are our eyes centered on the person we are becoming and the One who is with us every step of the way?
Reflection
Where do you find yourself hitting the snooze button instead of taking action and living out your faith? What are you trying to avoid and why?
Prayer
God, for far too long, I've been hitting the snooze button while You are calling me to act. There are areas of my life I know need to be addressed. I've ignored the promptings to take action and have courage. Today, I no longer will I settle for inactivity and letting fear win. May I get out of bed and face my circumstances with faith and boldness, knowing You are with me. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.