When Is It Too Late to Play Catch-Up?
I am typing these words after returning home from attending our oldest grandson’s high school graduation. That experience has caused me to do some thinking about how some people wait until it is way too late to play catch-up in something that is extremely important.
There may be some areas in our lives when it is possible, at least to some extent, to play catch-up. If one fails to save and invest money at a young age, it might be possible to, at least to some extent, play catch-up by saving and investing larger sums later in life. If a student fails to begin a term paper or study for an exam early in a school term, he or she may try to play catch-up later in the term. (I think most of us are familiar with the word “cram.) Sometimes that works and, as some of us have found out from experience, sometimes it does not. Maybe a person’s health can even improve by changes made in diet, exercise, etc.
In all of these areas and many more, there may be opportunities to make up for lost opportunities with increased investments of various resources. While we know that we would be well-advised to make a conscience, consistent effort all along, we might be able to salvage something worthwhile with a late “surge” of effort.
However, it seems to me that there is one area in our lives in which there is sort of a “built-in law of diminishing returns.” I am thinking specifically of the ability and opportunities that parents have to instill in their children a love for the Lord, His church, and His will for their lives.
All too often, parents are busy with their own careers, hobbies, and other interests to take the time to teach and model Christian principles to their small children. As those children begin to grow, the parents try to make sure that those precious souls get to all of the school activities, sports activities, and social activities possible. Interestingly (and sadly) enough, there never seems to be enough time or interest in family devotionals, regular attendance, and participation in worship services and Bible classes, church youth activities, service projects, etc.
During those precious few years in which children are at home, parents may have a sneaking feeling that his/her influence on them may be slowly but continually decreasing. I have a sneaking feeling that they may be right.
One of these days, that child will probably have a diploma (or more than one). He or she may also have a marriage license and a regular job. There may also be some birth certificates for their children.
Sometime in the midst of diplomas, certificates, and paychecks, these parents may realize that their children and now their grandchildren have no interest in spiritual matters. They may also realize something else.
It is now too late to play catch-up.
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
