INSTANT

“Instant”
Everywhere I go in Manila I see huge advertizing bill boards. If I have a chance to turn on the TV, I see similar messages on the commercials: The “Moment,” the “Immediate,” the “Quick,” the “Easy,” and the “Instant.” These word-signs in life flood the by-ways, air-ways, ear-ways and eye-ways!
Even in my sleep, I imagine seeing the “Instant” words flashing, lashing, trashing the bill-board of my dreams!

Instant Securities
Instant Unsecured Loans
Instant Camera
Instant Messaging
Instant Relief
Instant Thermometer
Instant Grass
Instant Savings
Instant Access
Instant Credit
Instant Slots
Instant Glue
Instant noodles
Instant Yeast
Instant Cash
Instant Relationships
Instant Replay
Instant Hypnosis
Instant Rice
Instant Decisions
Instant Tanning
Instant Chat
Instant Pudding
Instant Milk
Instant Gratification

As I stare or glare at all these words and the thoughts of the things they represent, I am overwhelmed. I wondered what impact they have upon each of us.
What are we relinquishing for our “Instant” Life?
A new billboard flashed before my eyes with these words:

Patience
Endure
Stalwart
Love
Unfeigned
Forbearance
Faithful
Overcome
Continue
Wait
Bear
Diligence
Firmness
Perseverance
Steadfast
Valiant
Earnest
Unwearied
Conquer
Prevail
Line upon Line
Constant
Consistent
Preparation
Firm
Unyielding Fortitude
Persistent

I remembered the childhood fable about the “Tortoise and Hare” by Aesop. The Hare wanted to win a quick, easy, and instant race against a slow moving hare. The Hare thought that it was a “sure deal!” He would easily win because he was so swift and fast. Over confident, the Hare took a nap halfway through the race. Upon awakening, he found that the persistent crawling Tortoise had reached the finish line before him.
I think the lesson of the story presents important questions:
Is the race I choose to run realistic?
Is the destination of the finish line where I want to be?
Am I willing to use self discipline and sacrifice—to delay my self-gratification in order to reach my goal?
Ecclesiastes 9:11 says, “The race is not to the swift...”
So at the end of our races do we find that we have exchanged “Persistant” for “Instant” and we lose? Enduring to the end is the great quest of life and the culminating principle of the Gospel.
DST. November 2011