But then, I was kept late at work. By the time I was finally done, I was starving and in no mood to wait the necessary time for this meal to cook. I was really tempted to run over to Arby's, and just get this:
In the moment, Arby's seemed like a better choice - hunger alleviated much faster. But later, I regretted not waiting a little longer for the more wholesome, delicious and nourishing food. Not only did I have hundreds of calories on my conscience, but the food just wasn't as great.
It made me realize that there are many times in my life where the Arby's dilemma presents itself: do I want immediate gratification, with its instant highs but usually later regrets, or delayed joy, paved with some self-denial and possibly suffering? Of course, in the moment, I am usually blind to the fact that the options are this clear-cut.
*Do I want to waste 20 minutes on facebook or take 20 minutes to write someone a letter?
*Do I want to sit glazed in front of the television or invest in a good book?
*Do I want to take the time to go out and meet new people, or stay in my comfortable introvert shell?
*Do I want to pursue the discpline of eating healthily, or just seek foods that fit the appetite of the moment?
And sometimes, the questions are bigger. Do I want to invest time and energy in a career that I am not suited to? Do I want to choose a relationship that isn't quite right instead of waiting for one that is?
In many areas of life, I am finding that convenience and immediacy have been ruling me, and offering quick fixes and band-aids, when instead, I want to make decisions that are truly and 100% mine.
Sometimes (and more often than not) waiting is worth it.
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