Only 149 more days until Christmas! Have you finished your shopping? Right!

But I must tell you this true story. Several years ago about this time of year, I was speaking with my mother by phone. In a giddy voice, she said to me, “I’m through Christmas shopping!” And she was serious.

I couldn’t believe. Now mind you, I’m not that guy who is headed to the mall at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. My wedding anniversary is December 22, and so I have all of my shopping done before then. Besides, December is a jam-packed month for a pastor. I can’t wait to the last minute.

A few years after this conversation, Mom had another idea for celebrating Christmas early. In July of 2004 she was diagnosed with brain cancer and was told she had six months to live. She actually lived until April of 2005. But she was determined to enjoy her final Christmas, even if she had to do so early.

And so on Thanksgiving Day 2004, our extended family gathered at Mom and Dad’s house for Christmas dinner and the exchange of gifts. My sister, her husband and children, along with my family of four played Christmas carols, emptied our stockings and celebrated as a family. It was a precious time that I will never forget.

Mom was determined that she would not miss her last chance to enjoy her grandchildren. She wanted to see their faces when they opened envelopes with checks larger than any of them had ever seen. She wanted them to remember her as the generous and loving lady that she was. She refused to wait until it was too late.

Is there something that you have been delaying that needs to be done? Do you need to take action now?

Jesus once said, “Behold, today is the day of salvation.” He was reminding his listeners to do today what they know they should do. Tomorrow may not come.

This lesson applies to trusting in the Lord. It applies to any number of areas in all of our lives. I encourage you to take action today. It’s always the right time to do the right thing. But don’t put off for tomorrow what needs to be done now.