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In the Nick of Time

In the Nick of Time

In the Nick of Time--planes flying toward a setting sunOn a trip to Minneapolis years ago, I caught a plane just in the nick of time. My first plane had engine trouble, so I had to change flights. That made me late for my second flight. As a result, I had to run through the airport about 1:00 a.m. to board my plane on time.

In the nick of time means at the last moment.

  • Doctors perform surgery just in time to save a life.
  • Basketball players make winning shots in the last seconds of games.
  • Parents grab children before they run into traffic.

Any delay beyond the nick of time is too late.

  • I would have missed my flight. (I did miss the boat later on that same trip.)
  • Doctors’ patients would die.
  • Basketball teams would lose.
  • Cars would hit children

Each situation goes down to the wire but is saved by the bell.

A good plan helps avoid the nick of time.

  • Prepare for the unexpected.
  • Stay organized.
  • Focus on the most important.
  • Never put off what needs to be done today.

“As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).

Thanks to Jane Ashley Pace for the suggestion.

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Down to the Wire

Down to the Wire

Down to the Wire--close horse raceDown to the wire means the last instant.

  • People put everything off until the last minute.
  • Or they near the end of a contest.

They have no more time.

This expression comes from horse racing.

Years ago, a wire marked the end of a horse race. When the race was close, the contest was down to the wire. No one knew the winner until the first horse reached the wire. That horse won by a nose.

People often work down to the wire to:

  • Complete homework
  • Finish a job
  • Prepare for guests

People who like to work down to the wire:

  • Almost always wait until the last minute
  • Don’t mind close deadlines
  • Work well under pressure

They usually:

People who hate to work down to the wire:

  • Want to be on time or early
  • Worry or get nervous when deadlines near
  • Work poorly under pressure

They usually:

  • Plan
  • Go by the book
  • Get the job done with plenty of time to spare.

I hate working down to the wire. What about you? Please comment below.

“My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 NIV).

Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”

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