Do you remember the children’s story “The Poky Little Puppy?” My adult version is called “The Procrastinating Little Author.”
There were five little authors who went to a writer’s conference – through the traffic and to the airport they traveled. When they got inside the big, big room, they counted themselves, one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.
While the four little authors met other writers and started a network, the procrastinating little author strolled by store windows gazing at the lovely merchandise.
The four little authors returned to their hotel so happy. It was like eating rice pudding for dessert.
By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, everyone had gone.
The next day, the five little authors went to the conference. When they got inside, they counted themselves, one, two,three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.
While the four little authors with manuscripts in hand, met agents and publishers, the procrastinating little author stared at a beautiful bracelet. When I get my book published, I will buy that bracelet, she thought.
The four little authors returned to their hotel very pleased. It was like eating chocolate custard for dessert.
By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the lights were turned off.
The next day, the five little authors went to he conference. When they got inside, they counted themselves, one, two,three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.
While the four little authors signed contracts, the procrastinating little author looked for an outfit to wear with the bracelet she would buy.
The four little authors returned to their hotel, delighted. It was like eating strawberry shortcake for dessert.
By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the door was locked, and she had to return to the hotel with nothing in her hand.
On the last day of the conference, someone put up a sign that read: “No late arrivals admitted.” But in spite of the sign, the procrastinating little author walked on to a shoe store to buy shoes to match her outfit and her bracelet she would wear to the final event of the conference – the handing out of ‘Certificates of Accomplishment.’ But the procrastinating little author procrastinated too long and did not receive the prestigious certificate. She went home a very sad and empty-handed procrastinating little author.
The Poky Little Puppy was published more than 75 years ago, but the concept is still relevant today. The procrastinating little author may be like many of us who may be prone to putting off doing something. But there is one time procrastinating will bring devastating and deadly results that can never be rescinded. “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7 Do not stall on this one, friend, thinking you will do it later. If you do, you will be like the procrastinating little author – very sad and empty-handed of peace and joy. Forever.