I have noticed something
interesting about our dog, Buddy.
Very simply, the less he walks, the less he wants to walk. A typical day for buddy involves six to
ten hours of resting, napping, lying up-side-down legs outstretched - mostly on
the couch he is allowed to lay on.
He gets up just to change resting
When I am home, I do my best to
take him on one fast and vigorous walk of at least a mile, often two. Here is the catch, when he misses a day
or two he gets even more lazy.
When we force him to be active, he gets even more active. He can go through a whole day, only
occasionally getting up to bark at a chipmunk, without showing any interest in
being playful and energetic. But
take Buddy for a walk, and as soon as were done, he wants to play ball,
tug-of-war or “chaise my tail.”
Energy breeds energy, laziness
breeds laziness.
Now I know where you think I am
going with this. It has been so
long since I have written a blog…
but I hope that is due to maximum activity in other areas not laziness –
but your thought would be more than justified.
I have been thinking about Buddy
and walks and I guess my point is just this, when we do the things we were
created to do, when we get the spiritual, emotional and relational exercise we
need it makes us crave more. Doing
what is good for us gives fulfillment and energy and makes us realize our need
to get out and live. Doing nothing
breeds doing nothing.
So when I think of taking a day
off from working out my body, feeding my mind, or meditating for my soul I need
to consider Buddy. Is this getting
needed rest – if so great; or will I be gaining energy and momentum by doing
the thing that seems to require more of me? More often than not, if I get moving it creates the energy
to keep on moving. And for those
all-important spiritual disciplines, this lesson from Buddy gives me a good
reason to continue to set the alarm to get up in time to read and pray.