*November 11th*

Sometimes we face unwanted chores and feel as if it is the last thing on earth we want to do. You know, things like mowing the lawn, doing the wash, cleaning the house, or dealing with complexities of living with family!

When this happens, we can follow a simple motto: "I don't feel like it—but I'm going to do it anyway." There is something about recognizing our lack of motivation and then choosing to be responsible that helps us follow through with duties before us.

God's value on faith and obedience can be seen in the parables of Jesus. Christ spoke about two sons who were asked to work in the vineyard. The first said no, but "...afterward he regretted it and went" (Mattew 21:29). The second said yes but did not follow through. Then the Lord asked His listeners, "Which of the two did the will of his father?" (v.31). The obvious answer is the one who finished the task.

Our Lord's illustration underscores a key spiritual principle. God is interested in our faith and obedience—not just our good intentions. It is interesting how perhaps "all" of us wrestle with feelings of not being motivated. The fact is, we do not need to place ourselves on a "guilt-trip" about it, as motivation problems are a part of being human. Still, when we are tempted to shirk our responsibilities, why not say, "I don't feel like it," and then ask God for the grace to do it anyway. There "is" strength in doing this. Try sometime, you will see.

[ Article concept by Dennis Fisher,
revised and submitted by Jim Hogue, MA, MFTI
Supervisor: Peter Mosgofian, Ma, MFTI ]