LETTERS: PUTTING THINGS OFF -- TILL TAX TIME

To the editor:

It is common experience to try to put off until tomorrow what one should be doing. Who wants to go to the dentist or see the doctor? Or who wants to answer that correspondence today, or pay those bills? Or go to church when there are so many other things to do? Have you told a family member or friend that you really care for them?

Perhaps on occasion one failed to prepare adequately for a test or an exam. Then, with some late-minute cramming, one managed to survive and much better than expected. On most occasions, however, one wished he had been Boy Scout enough to be well-prepared. It is better than to expect Lady Luck to carry one through the testing times of life.

One time I though I had prepared for an exam. The teacher called on me in front of the class and asked me to elaborate on an answer I had given which I knew was right. For some unknown reason, the words would not fall into place.

It is in such time of testing that a real, genuine knowledge has its true meaning and value. Often one procrastinates when one is not quite sure that one's answer is the only valid one.

Procrastination is a common word in the English language, not so much overheard but rather abused as an experience. It is so easy to postpone an action or delay discussion which requires action. Then tax time comes, and we are jolted back into reality. It requires us to accomplish our tasks on time.

IVAN NOTHDURFT

Cape Girardeau