D is for Diligence

  

D is for Diligence 

“I never could have done what I have done without the habits of punctuality, order and diligence, without determination to concentrate myself on one subject at a time.” Charles Dickens

I wish I would have caught on to this sage advice earlier in my life. I might not have gone down so many rabbit trails (diverted attention on something else). Of course hind sight is 20/20 so they say, but one can always learn a lesson and move on no matter how old you are. Learning the habits and values of successful people is truly what parents need to pass on to children in this age of so many distractions. So what is the lesson of having due diligence?

The Bible has a lot to say about diligence. Proverbs 21:5, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage.”  Well, the first thing here is... make a plan. If you don't have a plan, get one. That literally means to sit down and write out a plan.

My daughter made a 6-month plan of everything that she wants to accomplish this summer. We like to go to our favorite coffee shop and talk about what it means to make her plan. It is a quiet, peaceful place where we can talk and enjoy each others company and ideas. It also allows us spend some quality time together. (That's on my 6 month plan!) For her, this includes finding a part-time summer job, eating healthy and going to the gym. We write her plan out so she can refer back to it on occasion. We write down obstacles and ways that she might overcome difficulties. Next is where the diligence comes into play. By following the plan and putting in some consistent, determined work toward her goals, the 6 month plan is sure to be successful.

Daily prayer is always part of that plan. Bring God into whatever you do. For He makes the next step happen. “See a man diligent in his work? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before obscure men.”  Proverbs 22:29 Diligence in your work will bring you the respect of people in authority, while others fight to be noticed. Quality, persistent, consistent work, attention to details--these are the qualities sought out by leaders and bosses.

“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat.” Proverbs 13:4. What that means to me is, if you work hard by putting in the effort, your efforts are crowned with success. The word fat here means you crave for nothing, have absolute satisfaction. Wish that was the same meaning for what I see in the mirror. Oh well, I guess with some due diligence in that area, I could be successful too!

So parents, take the time to talk to your kids about what diligence is. Help them to make a plan. Apply it to their projects, plans and dreams for their lives. With due diligence may your efforts be crowned with success!

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