Despite the fact that I interact with very enlightened people, I am asked that question frequently. The person asking is usually very interested to hear the response. Why does it matter whether a donation is made today as opposed to tomorrow, this month instead of next? After all, maybe the [stock market, credit card bills, new baby, political situation] will be [better, worse, happier, more stable] given a little bit more time.
It actually causes me a bit of pain to answer it. I'm not a guy that is big on high pressure and sales techniques. I would be more at ease in a monastery than on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
I have found two very competent answers to that question. The first is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who says,
"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."
I like this because it leaves the reader to decide in what way it will be "too late." Is it because the kindness is no longer needed or because one is no longer able to provide it?
The other answer comes from the book, Born to Raise, in which the author Jerold Panas says,
"Many of us think of sin as being an act against God or our fellow man. There can be more to it than that. Sin can also be the failure to reach your full potential. Not attempting the great leap. You must reach beyond your grasp, seek the full limits of the possible, then go beyond. Sin is not working at your highest potential. The unlived life. Standing by the sidelines, watching."
It definitely matters that we take every opportunity to achieve our goals. To do otherwise is to waste our God-given potential. If we fail to take those opportunities as they arise, we may not get another chance.
I look forward to seeing you tonight at our fundraiser - I know we'll all have a great time!
