PROCRASTINATION

   There is a tendency, when faced with life's challenges, to press the delay button rather than make a decision.  The result is a life of procrastination. Such an attitude denies the realization that things are happening right now and this form of procrastination takes over, obscuring our vision of living our lives to the fullest. 

  This week's Parsha, Emor, continues to speak about the Karbanot, and makes a  very interesting directive;

  לא תותירו ממנו עד הבוקר,"You shall eat the Korban, on the same day that it is brought and you are not to leave any part of it until the morning". The 

Bal Haturim applies this concept to all the Mitzvot of the Torah, and says, "לא תותירו המצות, When performing the Mitzvot, do them immediately, do not procrastinate in their performance." In essence, suggesting, "Do not leave off something for tomorrow what you can do today and that can be completed today."

  When we delay in fulfilling our responsibilities, we are showing a lack of regard for the imperatives which we should be committed to. 

  Very often a deed neglected or postponed leads to a failure to act and often even to the injunction of  “ ולא תחללו, A profaning of G-Ds name." 

  If one is truthful to himself, he would admit that putting things off is tantamount to never fulfilling  that particular chore. 

   We are enjoined to rid ourselves of our delay button, and as Chazal says, 

 מצוה הבאה  לידך אל תחמיצנה, "When a Mitzvah comes to you, do not delay, for if you do so, it will not be done at all and it becomes like chametz - it becomes sour, never to be realized. 

  The lesson is simple, "Life, when lived in a procrastinated state, is a life unfulfilled and incomplete."

   The Psalmist said it well" זה היום עשה ה׳ "This is the day that Hashem has made, on it let us rejoice each new day". 

   We need to realize that each day is another gift from G-D and that each day is to be fulfilled to the fullest and not to be postponed for another day. This awareness can, in turn, inspire us to live each day more intensely and more fully, if we learn not to be a procrastinator in life's blessings. 

   This is the Day. 

   Too often we ask the same question, "When are we going to get there?" Please know you are already there, and life is a journey, not a destination, and happiness and success is the Blessing of our decisions today not to be postponed 'till tomorrow. 

   Yes, היום עשה הי נגילה ונשמחה בו.