At least, until she gets distracted. Usually by another dog, or a bouncing hare, or the friendly neighbours… and then: she forgets her training, her intention, her desire to be good. The chase drive just takes over her little puppy brain.
At times, usually when she can calculate that she is too far away anyway, I see her resume control over her emotions. But generally, my leash-carrying arm gets tugged a little enthusiastically as she is keen to make herself a new racing friend.
I wonder how often we, as humans, get distracted away from our desire to be good, to do that right thing. When the influences in the world surprise us away from that narrow path, and lead us into that well-cited temptation. Does the morning coffee aroma guide my thoughts away from the daily office? Is the ringing phone derailing the sermon prep? Is the grumbling tummy minimising my patience when speaking with extra-grace-required people? Do the adorable (and a-dork-able) antics of the dogs override my intention to send those follow-up emails?
Yes. Of course. Because life is like that: a collection of good intentions that mostly happen – and sometimes don’t.
But, like my dog, I think it is important that we keep trying: every day, every encounter, every opportunity. For it’s never the wrong time to do the right thing. And, God willing, I get it right more often than not; and, God willing, I'll get better the more I try.
No comments:
Post a Comment