Why is it that we sometimes have to be reminded of our own advice?
Right Feelings Follow Right Actions.
The first time I remember hearing this phrase was at Northland Baptist Bible College. It is an amazingly simple concept, one we all have experienced but certainly one that is difficult to live consistently. At least it is for some of us. I’ve found it useful when teaching children. I even put it in my first book. It is such a critical concept to “get”.
While I don’t remember hearing it put quite that way before Northland, I had certainly been taught the concept. I had been taught that if you do your work first, your fun time is much more enjoyable. I can attest to the fact that is true. We all know that if there is a task we are dreading, getting it done brings such a sense of relief and accomplishments. I had also been taught that if we obey, even when we don’t want to, we will be thankful we did. This also is true.
So why the difficulty? I’m sure it is wrapped up in the human nature, sin, selfishness, laziness, all of those negative traits.
Whatever causes it, I struggled this morning. I didn’t feel like getting up but I wanted to get things done. Once up I didn’t feel like doing the things I wanted to get done, but I wanted them done. The longer this tussle went on the more miserable I became. I even started to get a headache.
Finally, after a few stops and starts and some prayer on my part for divine help I gave myself the right-feelings-follow-right-actions speech. Then I got the two things I was most dreading DONE! Then we rewarded ourselves and went to Sonic for a Diet Cherry Limeade and a drive in the convertible. Now that I am home I am whizzing through my list.
Well, maybe plodding is a better word but at least I’m moving forward.
Missy says:
That’s so true, Miriam. I had to smile when I read that saying in your book, because I knew where it came from! 🙂 Now to get going on that same speech and my to-do-list!!!