THE BREAD BASKET

Who hasn't been annoyed by those who, for example, consistently run late, who don't pay their bills on time, who turn in assignments past the deadline, or who procrastinate in completing a project within the designated time frame? For many, running late has become a way of life.

I know a lady (I'll call her Cynthia) who was on the planning committee of a church group that hosts regular events as part of its community outreach. Cynthia told me she's always greatly irritated by the head of the planning committee who consistently runs late. According to Cynthia, this committee chairperson comes flying in at the last moment before the event is to begin, and in Cynthia's words, "runs around like a chicken with its head chopped off." All other committee members are on pins and needles, hoping the event will be pulled off without a hitch. As the story was told to me, Cynthia said, "Nothing with our event can go wrong! If anything does go wrong, it's always a crisis!" For that reason, Cynthia told me that she has the following quote posted on her refrigerator at home: "Poor planning on your part doesn't constitute an emergency on my part." Well said!

Isn't it true that everything we do sends a message to others? If, for example, we're consistently late for church, for meetings, for appointments, or for other commitments we've made, what's the message we're sending to others? Several things. First, when I'm consistently late, it's saying that my time is more important than your time, which is a rather arrogant message to be sending, isn't it? Secondly, when I am consistently late, I'm saying that for an important person, I'd be on time, but for you, well, it really doesn't matter. And thirdly, when I am consistently late, it's saying that I'm not quite honest, because honest people stick to their word and follow through with their commitments—even time commitments.