Eat The Frog
By Rosella Shishido, Communications Ministry Coordinator
“So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times. So do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do.” (Eph 5:15-17 NCV)
It’s the middle of January already––gee! Where did the time go? Like most people, I started the year prayerfully writing down goals to start off my year right. Praying and reading up about setting goals helped me decide on meaningful goals that I believe are in line with what God’s purpose for me. And that’s when I stumbled upon a short reading plan on YouVersion called “Win the Day” by Pastor Mark Batterson of Washington DC. He shared remarkable insights on how to live each day intentionally, and a big component of it is to not procrastinate.
That’s actually what spoke to me the most, especially when he referred to a vivid advice from Mark Twain:
“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”
Ewwww. The thought of eating a frog, or worst yet a live frog, is repugnant, but it’s the perfect mental image for what Mark Twain wanted to convey.
What is that one item on your to-do list that you’re most tempted to delay because it’s difficult? What’s that task, goal, or decision that hasn’t been checked off because you haven’t worked on it since you put it there?
That’s your frog!
And why eat the live frog first thing in the morning? Because if we do, challenging as it is, we can get along with the rest of the day knowing that the hardest task is done (whew)! Brilliant, right?
But even before we tackle that thing we’ve been stalling on, there’s no better way to start the day than with prayer. It’s wise to ask the Lord to direct our steps, and show us the way we should go (Proverbs 16:9).
Yikes! I have three frogs on my plate right now.
What about you?
Prayer: Father, I’m sorry for the times I’ve procrastinated on things. Please help me to make better use of your daily gift of 24 hours. Help me to win the day for You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
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