“Later”…Can Be A Dangerous Word….!

By Sid Chadwick

“It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time.”……………………..Winston Churchill

INTRODUCTION:

You remember your first taskmaster, who insisted certain tasks were not allowed to be  “put-off.”

We also remember the bosses – who demonstrated – by their lack of follow-through – that they were not committed to what was needed….or promised.

From them, we learn a distinct vocabulary….”I’ll get it - next week”…”I’ll be sure to be there, next time”….”I’ll try to be sure to turn the stove off – when I’m finished, later”….”I’ll conduct the delayed Performance Reviews – next month, for sure.”……”I haven’t had time to buy gas this week, we should be OK”….”Our tires are really slick, but we should be OK… if it doesn’t rain.”….”I’ll pay those bills next month, after I get back from vacation… we should be OK…”….

You get the picture…you know the words….

What can first appear to be a simple delay…so easily…quietly…seems to become a pattern, with mischief…. and even deadly grief….waiting.

We also know the relationship difference we have, with those rare individuals who don’t practice or give us “later”….on important issues (really…not on any issues).

SUMMARY:

We are at an “Inflexion Point” in our world – re. the development of armaments that are promised to be used in a nuclear war….that would change our world, and that for our children, and their children – forever.

However….“Later” does not appear to be in the vocabulary of our Leaders, regardless of their role – though the use of “Later” is how our world got to where it is now.

Our world was most fortunate – 90 years earlier…..Winston Churchill deeply understood what was needed, when it was needed.

May our precious country remain gifted, with Leaders – who understand… “What’s required for the moment of our time.”

“Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all others.” ……………………..Winston Churchill