Inspiration! Don't wait until you're ready/better/perfect

I love old hymns.

I realize many of you have no religious connections at all, and if you do they are negative, and so you might not love old hymns or any of the things they represent, but hear me out for a second: hymns are honest about the hard parts of life, while maintaining a strong assurance that there is something better out there. Sure, in hymns, the "something better" is clearly God or Jesus, but even if those names mean nothing to you, there is probably some person or entity or concept that brings you comfort and support.

One hymn I love is called "Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy" by Joseph Hart.  It is a call to all those who need help (read: all of us), to come and find rest and healing.

My favourite part of the hymn is the third verse:

"Come ye weary, heavy laden
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry 'til you're better
you will never come at all."

Those last two lines: If you tarry 'til you're better, you will never come at all.

Every time I sing these words, I remember on a deep level how strong my tendency is to want to wait until I'm ready/better/perfect to do something.  Whether it's seeking healing and rest or pursuing a relationship or goal, waiting until I'm perfectly ready to take the next step is like waiting until I'm all better before going to a doctor.

We need healing when we are broken.  We need to try when we are nervous and unsure.  We need to trust when we don't know for sure what the other person will do with it.

If we wait until we are positive it will all work out, we will never go anywhere.