I’m not writing about the diligence and dedication or the commitment and the concerted effort to break a bad habit when I say, “It does not take all that!” I am referring to good habits! One little interference, interruption, or insistence of one type or the other can cause you to skip doing what you are supposed to do every day.
Case in point: I got up Monday morning at 1:30 a.m. I stayed up after waking up because the alarm was set for two o’clock so I could get Gloria to the airport for an early flight! By early, I mean before the darkness was dismissed by the sun showing up for its shift. I never really went back to bed Monday, not until about 9:30 p.m. Consequently, my timing was off Monday and as late as Tuesday. Now, please note that I am not complaining about taking my wife to the airport, but I am just giving an example of how “it does not take all that.” Look at the effects.
Tuesday morning, I got up later than usual and after a late cup of coffee, I started being productive. I straightened up anything that needed straightened up, in my opinion. I moved stuff that really didn’t need moving, just part of my décor compulsion or maybe we can label it a self-imposed decorating challenge to see if you can make a change without buying anything. Perhaps I just move things around for a fresh or different look. After being satisfied with my “labor,” I sat down at the computer to do some real work; preparing for Bible Study, finalizing my sermon topic and passage, and I began writing a meditation Wednesday morning. Oh, I did some more things such as responding to church related emails and conversing some church business with the Pastor who is taking my place in early October. But unexpectedly, I got a text that asked if I could let a contractor in the church at noon. I agreed without hesitation. The work he was performing needed to be completed and I was available. Well, even though I sat my water bottle by the cabinet on the counter first thing that morning, before coffee, I never took my medicines. One of those things I mentioned above must have got me out of my habit. At least that’s what I think. Still. Just maybe I took the pills and just forgot to put the water bottle back in the refrigerator as a sign that I had done what I usually do every day. Afraid to take too much of the prescribed dosage, I opted to wait until Wednesday morning to resume my normal routine. It didn’t take all that to put me in a position where I had a little anxiety over not taking it and some worry if in fact I did. Physically, whether it was a psychosomatic type of symptom or if I really experience physical symptoms, but in either case, I did not feel so good most of the day. On top of that, if in fact I had failed to take my medicines, sticking with my regular good habit, I was guilty of putting myself at risk. Pray for me!
My friend, there is a point to this story. When it comes to praying each day or reading the scriptures daily, it does not take all that to cause you to break your habit of praying in the morning or reading a scripture near the start of your day. Conversely, if you keep up such habits, you feel good and you will be generally equipped for a good day, come what may. Your risk of acting out of your Christian character is minimized. Perhaps you have experienced the premise to be true, meaning that you have encountered times when it did not take all that, perhaps. Well, how’s today going? Did you remember to pray? Did you read a verse or two from the scriptures? Let us both be mindful that it does not take all that! Also, look at Jesus as an example when it comes to habits and in addition that, be like the disciples and follow Him. Be blessed!
“And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him.” (Luke 22:39 New American Standard Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King