I’ll admit, I’m a pushover for a dog with big eyes and lots of fur – and that’s exactly what we have in our (big) pup Scooter. He’s been with us since he was eight weeks old. When he was 13 weeks he jumped out of the back of our truck and broke his back leg requiring an iron pin in his leg. Ever since he’s been playing the sympathy card.
Scooter is 115 pounds of white fur and black eyes. Feeling sorry for him, we would pick him up to load him in the car or truck. As he got older, it would take two of us to take care of the loading. Believe me, Scooter ate the attention up. He would simply stand at the back of the car and wait for whoever was on duty to do the heavy lifting.
Believing I had found a solution for the heavy loading, I bought a dog ramp so Scooter could simply walk into the vehicle. Silly me … Scooter simply looked at the ramp then at me with an incredulous look – “You want me to walk on that?” I now realize how we all (humans and canines) fall prey to the path of least resistance.
You would think after decades of attempts at trying to improve bad habits I would know better. Unfortunately, for me it is often a daily struggle. I know for sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.
It’s human nature to take the easy way out and that we want to give up too soon. The problem is that often during trying times we stop trying. We give up. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Very few people make it on the first try. So often we just give up right when success is just around the next corner.
It’s always too soon to quit. The Bible says we need to stop making excuses, admit when it’s our fault and get on with life, because failing is a learning experience so we can do better next time and each time thereafter.
Take courage in this: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Now, I’m going to have a sit-down talk with Scooter! Wish me luck!
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries. Learn more about the ministry by liking our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CJEMinistries) and downloading our FREE mobile app (get.theapp.co) from App Store or Google Play. Once downloaded, allow notifications to keep you up to date on what’s happening in Cary John Efurd Ministries. Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com
