Sometimes I identify with Jesse James, not the one married to the movie star but the gunslinger of the old west. Let me explain.
Every year I sweat the first week of April. While many of you fret about April 15, I fret about April 1. On the first day of April I start driving like a criminal. I do not mean I drive fast or recklessly. I mean I drive down the street very cautiously and look for hidden policemen around every corner. You see, my inspection sticker expires at the end of March. I have a whole month to get my car inspected, but sometimes I do not notice it is expired, sometimes I forget, and sometimes I am going to do it tomorrow.
Whatever the reason, this year again, I spent a week driving like a criminal. Finally on Tuesday, six days into April, I got my new sticker. It took all of 30 minutes and I got to sit and read while they did it. Next year I will be better. With my new sticker there are a couple of lessons I hope I can remember next year.
1. Procrastination never does any good. I’ve never had to pay a dime for having an expired sticker, but I have had to take time out of my day, drive to the courthouse, and show the lady behind the window my receipt for my new sticker. Ugh! I would not have had to do this if I had only handled things in a more timely way. Remember, that which you do immediately you actually do!
2. There is joy in a clear conscience. Conscience is not our only guide, but your conscience has to be right. Solomon wrote, “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Pro 28:1). A tainted conscience will make you do things that are unhelpful and are downright hurtful to your journey.
When you pull out of the parking lot with that new inspection sticker all neatly installed it feels really good. I can’t wait till next year when I can feel that feeling again.
Lonnie Davis
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