The Parable of Procrastination
Please Follow the Promptings—I’m Still Learning!
This month I’d like to share an experience that happened to me last month. It deals with following those spiritual “promptings” we all receive from time to time—you know those thoughts that come into your heart or mind where you feel like you should do something. Unfortunately, I don’t always listen. I am still an extremely slow learner!
Our Sleep Apnea Machines
A few weeks ago, I had a major project I had planned to do one Saturday morning. I was determined that I would stay focused on this project until it was done. So, what did I do when I first woke up? I got distracted. I decided instead of simply washing my husband David and my sleep apnea machine’s CPAP / ASV supplies as I do once a week, I was going to get rid of our old supplies and get out our new supplies so we could use the fresh ones that night. First thought that came to me: “Today is not a good day to do this.” I ignored that prompting.
I then took all the old supplies and put them in a bag to throw away. Second thought that came to me: “Don’t throw that bag away. There might be something you still need.” I also ignored that little prompting. David was going to the dump that day to throw away a variety of trash and things, so I threw my bag in with the rest of his load.
I continued being distracted throughout the day and doing one thing after another that really didn’t need to be done, but I had now fallen into the rhythm of procrastination. I never even started on my project, and I knew I was going to have a great deal of stress on Monday! I was so mad at myself when the day was over.
As we were getting ready for bed, David told me he was missing the new headgear to his face mask. I was sure it was there in the package, but it was not. I thought back to the promptings I had received to NOT do this today and to NOT throw that bag away. So, I insisted that David use my headgear (which didn’t fit quite right), and I used a shoelace to try to keep my face mask on. We both had two miserable nights before I could go on Monday and get his new headgear.
All I could think was, “When will I ever learn to follow promptings consistently?” I was definitely not happy, and I felt miserable about myself!
I did a Google search to learn more about following promptings. I have found that when I have more knowledge, I’m more likely to make changes and form new habits. These are a few ideas I found:
How to Recognize and Follow Promptings
Prepare Spiritual Receptors: Just as biological cells need specific receptors to process messengers, individuals must live worthy, keep commandments, and quiet external noise to tune into subtle spiritual frequencies.
Act on Incomplete Information: Revelation often arrives incrementally—as brief, imperative impulses like "go," "do," or "say"—requiring individuals to move forward with courage before having the whole picture.
Test the Fruits: Genuine promptings from the Spirit always persuade people to do good, love others, and bring order or peace, whereas angry or selfish impulses originate from other sources.
Combine Effort and Prayer: Pondering specific problems alongside sincere prayer invites answers that often distill upon the mind gradually like morning dew.
Scriptures
"And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."
—1 Nephi 4:6
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
—Psalm 119:105