Excuses – Devotion 51

They come in abundance.  They are overflowing and readily available whenever I need them.  I don’t even have to work hard to make them appear.  It doesn’t take effort and they flow as constant as the Niagara Falls.  We all have them.  We all use them.  You may have already used multiples before the sun even rose this morning.  They are excuses.

Excuses can get us out of situations we do not want to be a part.  They can help us maneuver around the uncomfortable.  But, in general, they are used as a prop.  Excuses become our go-to whenever we just don’t feel like it.  And that can be damaging.

This morning, I had plenty of excuses.  I was tired (okay, that’s always the case when I first wake up).  I had a headache (with allergies, this is a constant during this season).  I had other things I could do (like sleep).  I didn’t want to get up and run.  But then, there was Leo.  He doesn’t buy my excuses.  He doesn’t really care how I feel about wanting to sleep more.  He just wants to go for a run.  He loves the adventure.  He is thrilled with the opportunity to hang his head out the window and let his ears fly.  The thought of going for a run, even if I am slow, is joyful.  His tail wags seemingly one hundred miles an hour.  He goes to his leash and puts his nose on it, over and over.  He even talks to me if I seem to hesitate.  He has a way of breaking through my multitude of excuses.  He cuts right to the heart of things and just wants me to move.  And I am grateful.

Because Leo got me up this morning, I had a wonderful time to catch my breath and enjoy the sun peak through the clouds.  I was able to get in my morning exercise which will hopefully help me to remain as calm as possible in the middle of the crazy.  I feel better about myself.  And the best part – Leo’s joyful expression when I put the leash around him.  There is nothing quite like it.  It makes it all worthwhile.

What are you missing today because of the excuses you have built up as a guard?  What small change might you make to cut through at least one excuse?  What joys might you find if you simply made a different decision, no excuses?  May we find joy in the journey today.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 16:11

¹¹ You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery