Daily Devotional October 26, 2022

Early one morning while the stars still twinkled in the darkness of a black sky, I let the dogs out to do their business.

As I stood there looking at the beautiful night sky, in the midst of a truly peaceful moment, I smelled something terrible.  Suddenly the serenity of the moment was gone because my beautiful little dog had come face to face with a skunk.  It did not go well.

Without thinking, I quickly grabbed Piper and ran into the house to give her a bath.  I should have thought it through.

Shannon, who doesn’t get up as early as I do, was suddenly wide-awake saying, “Oh my gosh, what is that smell?”  I should have thought it through.

As I quickly bathed Piper, I realized by carrying her in my arms, I too smelled like a skunk.  I should have thought it through.

For the next few days, our house smelled like a skunk had moved in and every time I walked in, I realized; I should have thought it through.

I have noticed most of the countless mistakes I have made in life come from hasty decisions I didn’t think through.  In the heat of the moment, instead of taking my time, I make rash decisions that have unintended consequences and always come back to haunt me.

The wisest person God ever made believed in thinking it through before making a decision.  He said, “Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”  (Proverbs 19:2)

God wants the very best for you.  Part of that means not making hasty, ill-informed choices that are destructive instead of constructive.  Don’t be in such a rush that you make decisions without thinking it through. You will be glad you did.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, give me patience so I may make good decisions.  Ease the chaos in my mind and give me clarity so I can live a life that pleases you.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Taking our time and making well-informed decisions will make life much easier, more productive, and allow us to avoid needless controversy.  Think it through.

Also, if you dog gets sprayed by a skunk and you are tempted to bring it into the house – don’t.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins