So What's Your Excuse?

Luke 14:16-20 (NLT)

Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations.  When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’  But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’  Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I now have a wife, so I can’t come.’

One day this week I ran with an unmatched pair of socks.  Didn’t bother me any though I’m sure my sister would have been disturbed :).    I must have packed my running gear in the dark because when I got to work that’s all I had.   No one seemed to notice while I was running – though at around mile 2 some rabbits gave me a curious look.  By mile 5 I’m sure both socks looked the same anyway.

So why the fuss?  I know some people who would probably use that as an excuse not to run today – “I can’t run, my socks don’t match – and the only other pair I have has the same problem!  Maybe tomorrow will work out better.”  You know the type – and if you’re anything like me you’ve pulled an excuse a time or two – maybe not for running – but for something else – like maybe praying – or reading your Bible – or going to church “Looks like rain – we can’t go out in that!” or “I was up to late last night and my hair is a mess!”. 

The race doesn’t get run with excuses!  Yes, there are days to cancel a training run – a broken foot for example, or the flue, and I won’t run in a thunderstorm – but rain is fine.  Bottom line – if we really want to do something we will find a way.  On the flip side, if I haven’t missed an episode of my favorite TV show in months but have trouble finding time to read the Bible what might that show about what I want to do?

So avoid the excuses, lace up the shoes (whether physical or spiritual), and get out there!

Columbus Training Update – Ran 35 miles last week culminating with an 18 mile run Saturday morning.  I felt great during the midweek runs – actually running faster than I have in many years.  The move to the country has made me explore new running routes and due to the dark country roads I have near running more near my work place over lunchtime.  So I’ve been running more in the hotter part of the day and my new routes have been hillier.  Hopefully that pays off in October.