A number of years ago I had trouble forgiving someone. One wretched morning, as I was sort of praying, sort of ruminating, wishing things were otherwise, I sensed the question: “If not now, when?”
That stopped me in my miserable tracks. Yes, I knew I was commanded to forgive. Yes, I knew that forgiving was in my best self-interest. I just was stuck.
But the question penetrated every barrier. If I were going to forgive someday, and I knew I would (or would have to), why not now? If I weren’t going to forgive at that moment, when would I? What would make it better to forgive at a future time rather than right that minute?
For me, that question got me over the hump. By an act of the will, I forgave right then. What release! What relief!
More recently, I relearned the power of that question. I had lost weight on a sensible plan, but had taken a break. While I had maintained my weight loss, I was having trouble recommitting to losing the rest of the weight. It takes energy and focus to stick to a weight loss program. But—“If not now, when?”
There are dangers in waiting. You’ll miss opportunities in the present. You’ll miss blessings now that might not be there in the future. Doors may close. (See The Last Knock.)
Is there something you need to do that you haven’t done? What is holding you back? What are you waiting for? What makes it better to do it in the future? What is the problem with now?
If not now, when?
