I see a subtly detrimental habit being practiced by some very good people. I speak of those who are chronically late for worship or Bible class. There, I said it. Hunt me down and give me a piece of your mind if you must, but I am compelled to admonish the guilty and hopefully, effect a life changing renewal of punctuality.

Why? Well, really, if you ask someone who tends to show up late for scheduled events, they will almost certainly tell you themselves that they don’t like to, and do not want to be late. Of course all of us show up late for things from time to time. That’s life. If, however, you find that it is your normal practice to be late, and you want to change that… this is for you!

Why are we late? There are two reasons I want to address here. First, some are late because they plan to be on time. Sounds strange perhaps, but think about it. Our Bible class presently begins at 9:30 am. If I plan to be there right at 9:30, then even the slightest delay will throw me off schedule and cause me to be late.

This is especially true if I fail to take into consideration incidental time consumers. Say I estimate that it takes me ten minutes to drive to the church building. Does that ten minutes include finding a parking place, walking from that parking place to the church building, entering the building, finding a seat, and also at least casually greeting those I may meet between my car and my seat? Failing to take such things into account can contribute to my being late. Rather than planning to be on time, plan to arrive early. You have my personal guarantee that the church building will not cave in.

Secondly, some are late because they fail to plan ahead. Where does one begin in planning ahead? Begin with the 9:30 start time and subtract the estimated time it will take you to get from the front door of your home to your place in Bible class or worship, adding say five minutes for good measure. C’mon, it’s just five minutes. You can afford five minutes to make your life a little more orderly and less hectic can’t you?

At any rate, let’s say that’s twenty minutes total estimated travel time. That means you need to be walking out the door of your house no later than 9:10 am. Right? So, the next question is how much time does it take you to get out of bed and to the front door all ready to go? Let’s say that takes an hour if we don’t have to rush. That means that you need to be out of your bed and in the process of getting ready no later than 8:10 am.

Got kids? We once had three little ones, so I know that planning is even more critical when there are more of you. Begin by having the kids choose on Saturday night what they will wear Sunday morning. Lay it out and have it ready for them. Same with breakfast. Prepare ahead so that you don’t waste time making decisions that could have already been made. And make sure that everyone old enough to be responsible for themselves knows what time you need to leave and help them plan to be ready by that time.

I love you, and I understand how chaotic ‘preparations’ can lead to frustration and even anger, and rob us of the peace that a little order and planning can provide. I want what you want. We all want the whole experience of ‘going to church’ to be a pleasant and meaningful time for you and your family.

Marty Kessler