Vern begins each morning under the covers, acting like he doesn’t want to get up. And do you blame him? But as adorable as he is, he’s usually picked up and taken to the living room where he finds his next resting location.
Observing Vern’s behavior has provoked me to think about what motivates me to do the things I do on a daily basis. Why do I choose to pour my time into certain activities while discarding other tasks?
Am I motivated by the endorphins that run through my body when I receive an award for something or do I work through activities because it’s the right thing to do?
Rebekah, Isaac’s wife had everything she could’ve ever dreamed of. She was wealthy and had a husband that loved her. But when her sons were born, she favored her younger son Jacob. And over time she manipulated the situation so Jacob could receive the birthright and blessing that belonged to Esau.
And just as Jacob received Isaac’s blessing, he was forced to run for his life leaving his mother Rebekah bitter and miserable.
How often do we seek after empty accomplishments, never obtaining the satisfaction we so desire?
I’ve been struggling with this since the publication of my new book, Brodie Duke: The Man, the Myth, the Truth. As I promote this book, I know in my head that no number of books sold will ever satisfy me. But I have to admit, the endorphins run through my body when I see a book has been sold. And as quickly as the rush comes, it leaves.
We all live on a tight rope of decisions, trying to keep our balance. I do believe the only true satisfaction comes from Jesus. He states in Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
As I go forward, I need to pay attention to the words of Jesus by handing over my health concerns along with what it means to be an author. And as for Vern, it’s clear he’s mastered the part about finding rest.
