When my husband and I were first dating, he shared a publication with me which his present employer had shared with him. The complete reading of a booklet was mandatory for all new hires of the formerly named boat " 'Can't Touch 'Dis". This booklet was titled A Message to Garcia and is written by Elbert Hubbard.You may wonder why I am mentioning this publication 17 years after my husband first introduced it to me? Ah - - because A Message to Garcia has been an encouragement to us as a married couple and as individuals. Whenever I begin to even think about procrastinating, my husband Vinnie will kindly say, "Message to Garcia". Instantly, I realize what I need to do. This mention of the booklet is an immediate end to procrastination.
A Message to Garcia:
Col. Andrew S. Rowan retired in 1909 but his service during America's war with Spain was the inspiration for this work which Elbert Hubbard wrote in one hour!!
I challenge you to order a copy for yourself. They can be ordered for $1.37
Conviction and speaking aloud to God
Lord., you have a work for me to write. You have graduated me with flying colors from JBJ's Christian Writer's Guild. You have provided everything I need to write the book you have the Holy Spirit waiting for me to pen. And so why do I sit on my hands?
And there is that still small voice. You are afraid of failure. So instead of try, you don't even reach out your hand for the message. You don't show up for instructions. You sit on your hands. You wait for someone else to write the book I had planned for you to write. You push Cuba out of your mind and watch The Bachelorette, post to Facebook, shop on Ebay....
Well no, God didn't speak the last sentence (but I thought it - yikes!). James 5:17 reminds me, "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that
it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and
six months." So like God to help us relate to those in the Bible who had a relationship with the Creator of the Universe but who struggled with the same "feet of clay" we have. Psalm 40:2 reminds me, "He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,Out of the miry clay,And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps."
"He" is the Creator of the Universe. I am referring to God.
You have that book to write. A message to bring to the inmates. A job to perform. I am waiting for you to take A Message to Garcia.
Yes God. I hear you.
The Bible tells us that those who bring the Good News to others do so with beautiful feet. Honestly, I would not make this up. Romans 10:15, Isaiah 52:17. And there is so much God says about feet in general! Oh why not? http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Feet.
In a last thought of the main character in Elbert Hubbard's book, A Message to Garcia; (without being a spoiler) Col. Rowan did what he had to do. He followed directions and did not make excuses. He made it happen. Whether he had beautiful feet or mud-caked, worn boots from traveling through the jungle - he accomplished that which he set out to accomplish. Done. Finished. End of story.
I know another "person" who did that which He was called to do. His story seems to have ended on 2 rugged trees that formed a Cross. His feet, known to be bloody and bruised - were still - undoubtedly beautiful. Isaiah 53
Deep sigh. Taste the tear which has found it's way onto my lower lip which I hadn't noticed til now I had been biting. I will carry Your Message, Lord. Now where's the remote? (smile). I have to turn off the Bachelorette!
After all, I have a message to carry. My feet are beautifully painted, prepared and appointed for the trip ahead. No more excuses. My Cuba awaits. I have an ocean to cross and a jungle to trek. But no worries, I am sure of this mission! I have a book to write.
Do you procrastinate? Email me christina@wordsofgrace.info and tell me about it.
Confess your sins one to another so that you may be healed. You are in good company.
God never said life this side of Heaven would be easy. But He did promise we would never have to navigate it alone!
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