Deadline! Friend or Foe?

Posted by Michelle Griep                 Guest Post by Rita Kroon

“Are you ready?” “Is it finished yet?” “Don’t forget! The deadline is coming up fast.”

The term ‘deadline’ can strike dread, even fear, in a writer’s soul. Her heart beats fast. His palms sweat. She’d rather go fishing with leeches. He gasps for air.

Or, a writer may meet the challenge with anticipation – like meeting a close friend for lunch. She puts on her favorite sweater. He washes his car. She checks her watch. He splashes on aftershave.

Deadline – dreaded like April 15th tax time or anticipated like a birthday celebration? Are you motivated or do you procrastinate? It is like the Biblical character, Joshua, who came face to face with an angel with sword drawn. Joshua asked, “Are you friend or foe?” The angel replied, “I am a commander in the Lord’s army.”

Do you remember the children’s story “Poky Little Puppy?” The adult version is called “Procrastinating Little Author.”

There were five little authors who went to a writers’ conference – through the traffic and to the airport they traveled. When they got inside the big, big room, they counted themselves, one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.

While the four little authors met other writers and started a network, the procrastinating little author strolled by store windows gazing at all the lovely merchandise. The four little authors returned to their hotel so happy. It was like eating rice pudding for dessert.

By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, everyone had gone.

The next day, the five little authors went to the conference. When they got inside they counted themselves, one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.

While the four little authors met agents and publishers with their manuscripts in hand, the procrastinating little author stared at a beautiful bracelet. When I get my book published, I will buy that bracelet, she thought. The four little authors returned to their hotel so happy. It was like eating chocolate custard for dessert.

By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the lights were turned off.

The next day, the five little authors went to the conference. When they got inside they counted themselves, one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.

While the four little authors signed contracts, the procrastinating little author looked for an outfit to wear with the bracelet she would buy. The four little authors returned to their hotel, delighted. It was like eating strawberry shortcake for dessert.

By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the door was locked, and she had to return to the hotel with nothing in her hand.

To some, deadlines are a necessary evil. A deadline can be your worst enemy, but, if you look at it like a favorite friend who has your best interests at heart, you will learn to meet each deadline with anticipation and a smile in order to git R done.

The reward of meeting a deadline is better than rice pudding, greater than chocolate custard, and surpasses strawberry shortcake. It is feeling the satisfaction of getting a job done well. Or, maybe even a signed contract!

So, which is it for you? Friend or foe?

Author Rita Kroon

Meet Rita Kroon

Rita Kroon was born in Minneapolis, but raised in St. Paul, MN. She is an author, blogger, speaker, and women’s Bible study leader. Kroon has written wildlife magazine articles, children’s short stories, devotionals, poetry, and a humorous newspaper column “Rita Raps it Up.” Her books include:
· Letters from the Past (historical Christian fiction)
· You Have Cancer —a Journey Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death (her personal story of faith during her battle with cancer)
· Praying the Scriptures (a collection of prayers based on Scripture)
· Womanhood—Becoming a Woman of Virtue (two-in-one Bible study—in-depth and condensed)
· 40 Days in the Wilderness (devotional)
· 40 Days of God’s Assurance (devotional)
· 40 Days of Encouragement (devotional)
· Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye (Christian novel)

Available at AMAZON

Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye

Mike DiSanto and his wife, Lisa, are sinking in quicksand—unwilling and unable to reach out to one another, powerless to reverse the inevitable. Their four-year marriage ends in a courtroom, with full custody of their two-year old daughter, Maddy, awarded to Lisa. Mike is devastated, but Lisa stands tall like a princess, though she lost her kingdom.

In his desperate quest to provide love and stability as a part-time father to Maddy, Mike does the unthinkable. His actions net far more disastrous and heart-wrenching results than he could have ever imagined. He took a risk and lost, and the very one he tried to protect would suffer the repercussions of his poor decisions.

In this riveting tale based on true events, a man learns that every choice has consequences as he struggles to reconcile and rebuild broken relationships with those he loves. It is a story of hope for forgiveness, healing, and peace with God and one another.