Thursday, July 2, 2009

I Want It Yesterday

One of the downsides of our culture is "instant gratification." Who can blame us for our impatience? So much of what we desire comes to us faster than ever. Food, Internet access, television shows and movies on demand are always ready. Our every whim can be satisfied at a moments notice. The technology that allows this is a blessing as well as a curse.

It has trained us. We are like Pavlov's dog. We expect far too much to occur when we snap our fingers. We do not see that some decisions should not be made in haste. The world moves so quickly. We think that we must move in concert with the crowd. This is more than just stopping and smelling the roses. The choices we make require planning, research and thought. Foresight must become a learned response.

See that special item in a store? Pull out your credit card and it is yours for the asking. How will this affect your finances? Do you really need this bauble? A friend taught me long ago that any decision should have a waiting period. One day is not too long to assure yourself that what you are doing is right.

Our future is not assured. There are costs involved even when we die. Life insurance removes the burden from your loved ones. How many individuals actually consider this fact before it is too late? Insurance is generally cheaper the younger you are. An IRA also helps to ensure your final years are satisfying. The more you save now, the better your tomorrow will be.

The concept of foresight does not only cover financial concerns. Preparing for your future can benefit you through education, home buying and health maintenance. The decisions you make today, large and small, will have some affect on what happens in the future. No one can truly prepare for every eventuality. Informed planning, hope and prayer will keep you in good stead.

It is perilous to go through life assuming that everything will work out to your advantage. Only gamblers and fools leave their fate to chance. Intelligent people know better. Anything worth having takes work. Anything worth doing requires sweat. The road less taken is rocky for a reason. It may be hard to traverse but it will lead you to a place greater than you can imagine. I hope to see you there!

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