Procrastination
By Vanessa (Queensland University of Technology)
My family would tell you that I am one of the biggest procrastinators that they know. If there is something in particular that I don't want to get started, I'll busy myself with tedious little tasks just to avoid it. I'll thoroughly clean my room, re-arrange my desk, make something for dinner, weed the garden. I think it's gotten worse since I've started at uni, but I am working on it. When I see that I still haven't started my assignment, I tell myself - hey that's ok, I've been busy with all these other things that needed to be done. There is one thing I do know though, and that is: not to procrastinate with God.
I have grown up in a strong Christian environment with a supportive, loving family. And I've attended church since I was a baby. I went to Sunday School and had a basic faith - I believed that God was real, and what I'd been taught was true - bible stories, Jesus loved me... As a kid, it was very 'me focussed'. At school I would live my life because that was what was expected - in terms of behaviour - being a 'church kid'... but I unsure about becoming a Christian. Basically I was living religion, but not experiencing faith. I hid behind this barrier and thought I couldn't become a Christian because it seemed too theoretical, I wasn't old enough, and I didn't know enough. I knew that I was separated from God, because God is perfect and holy, but I didn't understand that God wants me just as I am.
Our church usually held outreach meetings in the local showgrounds every year, and at this stage it was just before I turned 10. There was something about the message that night that really hit me, and that was this... God wants to know me right now. It didn't matter about my age, or how much I knew or didn't know, or any past circumstances. I needed to stop procrastinating with God, because I realised that I needed Jesus in my life right then. I knew that if I was to die on the way home that night, I'd spend a lost eternity without God. So I responded to God that night, and I can't remember exactly the words, but I said that I know I'm a sinner and that I am separated from you, I'm sorry, Jesus take control and lead me. I prayed quietly in my seat because I didn't want to put it off any longer, I knew that I needed to be ready.
When I became a Christian, I knew that Jesus was in MY LIFE, and that was great, but sadly for a long time, that was all it was, it was all about my relationship with him and evidently I kept Jesus to myself. Naturally as a Christian I've had up and down times. But God has been gradually changing me and still continues to. I am still learning that I need to share Jesus with other people, so that they too can experience the love and comfort he offers, and to live my life for him and see the need and opportunities to personally introduce other people to Jesus.
I know not to hold back on God, and in turning to him, I have not been disappointed. If you don't know Jesus, he is patiently waiting to welcome you, don't let your circumstances or your past stand in the way, ask yourself as I did: what am I waiting for?
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