The first time I remember being late was when I was in kindergarten. Over the years, I discovered that I was making the following mistakes:
I thought I could get ready in record time. When I was trying to wake up, I would tell myself that I would get ready in less and less time until I had almost no time to get ready.- I didn't allow enough travel time. I thought the "lights would be with me" and I could set the land speed record.
I thought it was awful to be early and have to sit and wait.
I didn't realize that I might be wasting other people's time by being late.
I had a hard time being completely honest. I was always trying to think up excuses for being late.
These are the changes I have made to improve:
I figured out how long it takes me to get ready when I am at leisure. Then I added another 10 minutes. Also, now that I have children, I add 15 to 30 minutes for each child.
I figure the approximate travel time and then add five to 10 minutes depending on the distance. I add even more time if I am unfamiliar with the location of the destination.
I came to realize that being early is a good thing. Often there is someone to visit with or to help, especially if I am early to Church. There is always someone who can use some help.
I try to think of others and realize that their time is valuable, too. Being punctual, I show them that I value their time. It is not fair for me to expect others to be on time if I am not.
I can be completely honest. I don't have to think of an excuse for being late because I am now usually on time. - Jennifer L. Averett, Mesa, Ariz.
What we did:
Root of problem
Almost all my life I have had the annoying habit of being late. I was born two minutes before midnight and I even still love to stay up late. Over the years, I'm sure my parents have come to think of me as their "late daughter." When I finally pass away I don't want to be labeled "the late, late Janise," so I have been very motivated to change.
Interestingly enough, I have discovered that at the root of this problem is the deeper habit of "perfectionism." I wanted to squeeze in just one more activity before going to Church or to bed. Of course that is pretty silly because being tardy for everything is not doing my best either. Once I clearly saw the dilemma in this way of thinking I was able to start being on time at least some. Perfectionism is not easy to overcome so I have had to be patient with myself. Part of that is seeing the positive instead of the negative, congratulating myself for the rare times I would be on time. - Janise Wooten, St. David, Ariz.
Time to stretch
Know how long it takes to get to Church, arriving about 15 minutes early to allow time for children to stretch their legs and go to the restroom.
Know how long it takes to do everything that needs to be done before you leave the house.
Get clothing, scriptures, toys, baby bag, Church books, etc., ready on Saturday, including baths.
Give assignments to adults and children so all help to get ready.
Be sitting in Church five to 10 minutes early. - Gina Stapleton, Fermoy, Ireland
Use Saturday wisely
A Primary song entitled "Saturday" tells us to use that day to get ready for Sunday. Items to be taken to Church are put near the front door. Tithing envelopes are tucked into the pocket of the scripture case with a corner peeking out to remind us that it is there. Clothes pressed, shoes cleaned, thoughts as to Sunday dinner are part of the preparation. Being late to Church is eliminated as Saturday is used wisely. - Sharlie Carter, Louisville, Ky.
Early is better
While our children were growing up, we solved the problem of being late by setting the hour of departure one-half hour early. We didn't always arrive at the Church that early, but we weren't late either.
Mental attitude has a lot to do with our future actions. By the time we had established the idea that early was better than late, the children had made a lifelong habit. In addition, we arrived for Church more relaxed and reverent. - Margaret Koster, Stockton, Calif.
Lack of respect
I decided to change my habit when my husband pointed out that it showed a lack of respect and consideration for the other person's agenda. Time is too precious to be abused and that applies to mine and the others, too.
First, I determined I would be on time, then I resolved to prepare ahead what was needed for my appointment and lastly, I permanently set my wristwatch and my car's clock seven minutes fast. These are now the clocks I go by and it pleases me to say that, except for some rare occasions, I am usually on time. - Ambra G. Wadley, Kent, Wash.
Dependable, faithful
Recognize the importance of being on time. Punctuality is closely related to being dependable, faithful and determined to be in the right place at the right time.
Plan ahead. To avoid last minute delays, plan ahead in detail what you will wear, what you are going to need to take with you, and what preparations need to be met.
Allow time for travel. Whether you live close by or far away, allow a few extra minutes. Don't leave the house when it is time for the meeting to begin.
Realize the blessings of punctuality. Emotional preparedness, focused minds and a reverent attitude all come with being on time. - Elaine Black, West Jordan, Utah
Why are you late?
I learned an important lesson when I was young and racing boats. A professional racer came to our local club race. He practiced running at top speed from the starting point along the course. All the other racers were circling together at half speed near the starting point. As the race was about to start the racers all turned toward the starting point and were beginning to accelerate as the starting gun went off. All the boats were at the starting line together, but the professional racer was already at top speed and instantly passed the others. By the first turn he was clearly ahead and well on his way to winning the race.
We have used this idea in our family and gather in the family room 15 minutes before Church starts. This works well because we are only one block from Church and even if we leave late, we arrive at Church early. - Norman K. Davis, Springfield, Va.
Time for family
We plan on being ready for Church an hour before it actually starts. We then have family scriptures and family prayers. When the girls were little we implemented Saturday baths and curlers in the hair, making less work on Sunday. - Vera Jones, Las Vegas, Nev.
How to checklist:
1 Discover why you're late; resolve to change attitude.
2 Realize others' time is valuable; be considerate.
3 Be ready early, allow time for travel, distractions.
4 Plan ahead; use Saturday wisely to prepare for Sunday.
WRITE TO US:
May 3 "How to feed a family on a limited budget."
May 10 "How to cope with a compulsive disorder."
May 17 "How to be emotionally self-reliant."
May 24 "How to have an enjoyable family vacation."
May 31 "How to encourage reverence during Primary."
June 7 "How to help children, youth suffering from clinical depression."
Also interested in letters on these topics: "How to help young people show respect for authority in school," "How to unleash the personal impact of scripture study in your life."
Had any good experiences or practical success in any of the above subjects? Share them with our readers in about 100-150 words. Write the "How-to" editor, Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110, send fax to (801) 237-2121 or use internet E-mail: forum@desnews.com. Please include a name and phone number. Contributions may be edited or excerpted and will not be returned. Due to limited space, some contributions may not be used; those used should not be regarded as official Church doctrine or policy. Material must be received at least 12 days before publication date.
