The Future Happens Today

"Let him who would enjoy a good future waste none of his present."

- Roger Babson

 (1875-1967) Businessman

I have always found great wisdom in the old Aesop's Fables.  I also realize that we have a generation or more of people who have never read or heard of an Aesop's Fable.  I discovered, back when I was doing storytelling, that what my generation saw as old stories, children (and adults) of today see as new.  So allow me to share just the basic story line of the classic, The Ant and the Grasshopper.

In a field one summer’s day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart’s content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.                “Why not come and chat with me,” said the Grasshopper, “instead of toiling and moiling in that way?”      “I am helping to lay up food for the winter,” said the Ant, “and recommend you to do the same."  “Why bother about winter?” said the Grasshopper; “we have got plenty of food at present.” But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food, and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew:  “IT IS BEST TO PREPARE FOR THE DAYS OF NECESSITY.”  (http://www.bartleby.com/17/1/36.html)

                This is a fun story, however it is filled with very powerful thoughts about the future.  Far too many people are under the false impression that they always have tomorrow and there is no need to preparing for it today.  They waste their days, usually by doing nothing, and think that they can always do what they need to do to succeed tomorrow.  The reality is, tomorrow never comes.

                Success-minded people understand that every moment of life is given as a gift.  We build our future in the present.  It is what you do today that will make tomorrow a delight filled with success or a disappointment filled with regrets.  You have no control over tomorrow.  Who know if you will have time to do the things you put off today or if tomorrow will come as a flood and catch you unprepared.

                Do not be found without the things you need when winter comes.  Like the foolish grasshopper, do not think that living for today means that you ignore tomorrow.  If you have a dream, start on its achievement today, this very moment.  Never allow laziness and selfishness to rob you of all your plans and hopes.  It will you know.  No one can cause your future more harm than you can.  No one can make it come true but you either.              

To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey