That time of year…
It’s finally here! Hunting season is upon us down here in south Louisiana. That also brings hopes for cooler weather, gumbo season, and the holiday’s.
I look forward to deer season every year. Seeing or harvesting a deer is great, but it is not my main objective when going out there. I love sitting quietly in the woods and seeing everything come alive with the sunrise and everything shutting down with the sunset. I actually watched a squirrel wake up the other morning. He popped out of his nest, stretched, rubbed his eyes while looking into the sun, and then went off to being the normal squirrel we typically see bouncing around everywhere. It was so unique to see it waking up like I do.
That squirrel was mission-oriented right after he woke up. No excuses, no coffee, no hitting the snooze. He went from sleeping to working in 5 seconds it seems. Why can’t we be more like that?
I know I take a bit to get moving in the mornings. I try to wake up at 5am, but I don’t typically get out of bed for a while after that. Then I have my morning routine of things to get me ready for the day. Before you know it, an hour has gone by before I even had to think of anything pertinent for the day ahead. I tend to make excuses for myself, and make it seem as though I am doing my best when deep down I know I can do better, especially when I have no issues getting up at 4:30 am to head to the deer woods….
Why do I allow myself to be lazy and not live up to my full potential? I wish I knew the whole answer, but a big part of it is weakness. My resolve to follow through with what I know is best for me is weak at times. I fail to keep myself on track, I struggle with the temptation of laziness and apathy. The big difference for me is, I see it these days. I used to be oblivious to the fact that I was coasting through life, making excuses, and shutting down any inconvenience in my way. I didn’t try anything to better myself; I stayed stuck where I was and was completely content.
The other day sitting in the deer stand the other morning was a gut check moment for me. I realized that after the past year of pushing hard towards my goals and trying to be the best man I possibly could in every way possible, I got lazy and took my foot off the accelerator pedal and started coasting. That ends today! Today I make the commitment to keep pushing and be available when the call comes to step out of my comfort zone.
Will you join me in putting to rest the spirit of laziness and apathy in our culture these days? Let us all work towards making each other’s lives better than the previous day, weeks, or months. Let us be willing to answer the call when the time comes for action.
Ephesians 6: 10-17 NLT
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.