instant gratification

 

we can't wait for anything…

…we binge watch tv shows

…we buy on credit instead of saving for something we want

…we want everything we buy online to arrive in 2 days or less

 

All of these things I am guilty of doing.  But there's virtue and beauty, meaning and fulfillment in delayed gratification.  

 

Of course instant gratification isn't always a bad thing.  But I think we're getting worn down by it - losing the lessons, value, and perseverance of hard work.

 

Instant gratification encourages us to:

‼️choose the easy path

‼️waste our resources

‼️make bad decisions

 

Lately I've been keenly aware of the toll that instant gratification is taking on myself and my loved ones.  I'm noticing more the after effects and want to push back against it.

 

 

Instead we should be championing the value of working towards a goal and finally, after hard work, reaching that goal.  To inspire and motivate each other.  To encourage diligence.

 

After all, this is a reflection of our road to salvation.  We toil and strive to reach our heavenly goal.  We suffer.  It's really hard.  

 

 

This week, think about the ways that you experience instant gratification. Are you over doing it?  Is it affecting your life in negative ways?  

I found this prayer by St. Benedict that I think is a good weapon against the problem of instant gratification.