The Easy Way Out

I have not blogged in two weeks.  So I am sure that you are expecting profound and thought provoking discussion.  I apologize in advance if it is a bit of a let down that I am beginning this blog with discussion of peeling an orange.  (Stay with me though, I promise, I'm going somewhere.)

Last week, for the first time in literally months, I peeled and ate an orange.  That might not seem like anything that should  make headlines but for me, that's a "stop the press" kind of event.  Though I absolutely love oranges, I rarely eat them because I hate the process of peeling them.  That awful white matter from the  orange peel gets uncomfortably lodged under my nails and I have to find some random device to dig it out from underneath them.  No matter how far I strategically place the orange away from my face,  juice packed with stinging acid finds the path to my eyes. Even after I vigorously wash my hands, hours later people are asking me if I got a new citrus lotion from Bath and Body works.  It's just not worth it.

Instead of dealing with the "drama" associated with peeling an orange, I just don't eat them.  I choose to miss out on one of my favorite fruits and all of its nutritious value because its too hard.  Instead of dealing with it, I avoid it.

Are there any "orange" areas in your life?  Areas in your life that you consistently choose convenience over commitment? Or ease over effort?  Do you settle for one thing instead of striving for another? 

For example, is there a dream that lays dormant because it would take a considerable amount of time, energy and effort to accomplish?

Is there a strained relationship in your life that you have allowed enough distance and time pass to convince you that its not worth the effort of seeking reconciliation?

Is your marriage functional but not thriving?

Have you opted not to have many friends or get in committed relationships because you would rather be alone than put in the work?

If none of the above areas fit you, then check the areas of your life where you find yourself saying "I should but...", "I need to but..." or "I would love to but ..."

Many times what stands between what we should be accomplishing and our current position, is emotional or physical laziness.  Sounds harsh, but true. 

So today, for me, I have identified two areas of my life where I have allowed the work involved, keep me from the reward promised.  I will have to be more intentional.  Planning ahead will be required.  There is a risk of nonreciprocated emotions.  I will feel at some point over worked and under appreciated.  Many days I will have to force my tired body to go somewhere other than to sleep.  But today, I am choosing to peel back the orange areas of my life and see what fruit awaits me.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might."
Proverbs 12:24 "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor."
Proverbs 13:4 "A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."