By QuaWanna Bannarbie

Today marks the last day of the first month of the year. January is on her way out.

This brings to my remembrance an Instagram post I saw recently. It read, “I’ve decided my new year will begin Feb. 1. January is a free trial month.” This made me laugh hysterically. One of my friends posted this on her account on Jan. 16 along with a caption that said, “I need a do over.”

That same week I learned of a term I have never heard before — Blue Monday. Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year as it is called, occurs when people realize how challenging achieving their goal may be and begin to give up.

Although my friend’s post made me laugh, it also made me contemplate the difference between January and February in terms of goal attainment. It boils down to two words — now and later.

When I was a middle school student, my sisters and I would walk to the corner store for candy. Momma would give us a few dollars that we had to share for treats. My selection always included a package of Now and Later candy. I loved many different flavors, but Green Apple was my favorite. I loved the slogan “eat some now, save some for later,” but I was never able to make that commitment until the Brach’s Confections created the 16-piece bar of Now and Later candy. I enjoyed them so much, and it was easier to save some when there were more to save.

If going after our goals were as easy as deciding which pieces of the 16-piece bar of candy we would indulge in now and what we would save for later, maybe we would not need “do overs.” But the truth is that many of us get stuck in the determination of what to do now and what to do later. Often, it is that discouragement that triggers Blue Monday, because now seems harder to do than just waiting until later.

I recently discovered the real issue for me is not so much the when but rather what is for waiting and what is for taking. By taking, I mean taking action now or later. If we are honest, we do treat life like a 16-piece bar of Now and Later candy. We put off for tomorrow what we could really do today. We think we have so many more pieces of candy to enjoy later as though life will go on forever. We know very well that it does not.

In the Bible, Jesus speaks of “discerning the times” in relation to watching the signs around us in preparation for His return. Rightly judging the signs and warnings that support that Jesus is coming soon is not the only value of discerning the times. I think Jesus’ teaching also emphasizes my point from last week — the urgency of now. Discerning what to take and what can wait is not all so spiritual really. Yes, what actions we take today pay dividends into how we spend eternity. But eternity is not now. For now, we need to take actions that reveal that we believe that our serving is an urgent thing and not something to wait on.

If you are struggling with what to do now, let me help you discern what is important. Pay close attention to your choices and what you know to be true. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 admonishes us to “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.” In short, the word tells us not to compromise our values. Our goals should align with God’s goal for creating us, which is to bring Glory to Himself and let His kingdom come. Actions that point to God basically mean that you serve God’s agenda. If you are wondering what God’s agenda is, the Lord’s prayer makes it very clear (Matthew 6:10-13). Choices that serve your own will or that of something less urgent can wait until later.

Government shutdown, gun violence in public places and rulings on abortion acceptance at nine months of gestation are telling signs that Jesus is soon to come. They are also telling signs of the urgency of now. Take action. Fulfill the will of our Heavenly Father. Now is the time of God’s favor (2 Corinthians 6:2). You got your do over, now get to doing God’s will concerning you.

QuaWanna Bannarbie is an adjunct professor of nonprofit leadership and management with Indiana Wesleyan University, National and Global. Her children attend Suffolk Public Schools. Connect with her via Twitter @QNikki_Notes.