Live With Later

The Question

“Is what I’m about to do something I can live with later?”

Sometimes that question is nowhere in my mind when I’m making a decision.

I toured a friend’s new house recently, and loved all of the cabinetry and countertops and flooring. And I immediately began to obsess about how I wanted to have my house “redone”.

I investigated, I obsessed, I twirled it in my mind until my spirit was in knots.

Why was I anxious and crazed? Because I know good and well that it wouldn’t be prudent for me to spend my money on that.

What was I NOT remembering? The blessing of having a nice-looking home already.

Seriously, what was I NOT remembering? I wasn’t thinking about what I’d have to live with later.

I live in the southern United States. Before air-conditioning, people who could afford it changed their clothes four times a day and had fainting couches—and for good reason. Thanks to Mr. Carrier, I use that wonderful invention from April through October (and for the days, weeks, or months as needed the rest of the year). And replacement of my home unit will be necessary in the next couple of years.

So if I spend money on things I truly, absolutely, positively do not need, I’m choosing to live with later. In my “uncrazed” frame of mind, I can remember I’m not willing to live with no air-conditioning—ever.

The Answer

It’s important to think about “live with later” every moment.

If I don’t get enough sleep, or enough exercise, or I don’t eat what’s healthy for me, I’ll live with negative consequences later.

If I don’t work to make progress on my dreams, I suffer self-recrimination, guilt, and sometimes even self-hatred.

If I don’t take care of myself spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and every other -ly, later may be something unbearable to live with.

I’m not perfect at remembering “live with later”. But later always comes.

So I’m thankful I can ask God to help me.

Because I’d rather remember “later” ahead of time than live with later when it gets here.

What helps you remember so you can live with later?

Live With Later – What helps you remember so you can live with later? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.