“First we do what we have to do; then we can do what we want to do.”

“First we do what we have to do; then we can do what we want to do.”

 My children can quote this phrase from our household.  I read it in an article about Denzel Washington and the fact that he uses it with his kids.  Hey, if it’s good enough for Denzel, then I thought, it’s good enough for me!

 It is a great quote for teaching delayed gratification.

 My son, upon the first few times of hearing this statement, would say, “But I want to do what I want to do!” This of course, makes perfect sense to a 4-year-old. (Of course, next, I try to explain to him that we don’t always get to do what we want to do.  That is not real life.  Life is not fair.)  And then he will invariably ask me to do something like drive him to the Jaguar store to buy him one.  (At least he has big dreams.) However, we don’t always get to do what we want to do.  He is starting to understand this.

 This statement can apply to about any area of our lives. 

First, do your homework.  Then you can go play.

First you do the dishes.  Then you can have dessert.

First, we eat some healthy food.  Then, we can think about dessert.

First, we pay your bills.  Then, we can look into that new TV.

First, you use your time wisely.  Then, you can goof off.

First, work on your relationship with God.  Then, you will see fruit in your life when the tough times come.

 First, do what you have to do!

 I can’t tell you how thankful I am for choosing to do first things first.  It may seem difficult on the front end, but it pays off down the road.

Would anybody like to share a time when doing first things first, led to God’s blessing?

Thora