Not in My Dictionary

As a teacher and mother, I’ve received my fair share of excuses. From “I forgot”, to “They told me to”, and the ever-popular “I didn’t think it applied to me.” One of the most unique though, was used on the familiar assignment of looking up and writing the definitions for vocabulary words. Thumbing through the returned papers, one stood out from the others. At first glance it clearly had much less writing on the page and a closer look revealed why. Behind a majority of the words the same phrase was written; “Not in my dictionary” was the excuse used for not completing the homework as expected.

Answering a knock on my classroom door, I found a co-worker holding in her hand my son’s “creative” attempt at following directions. Promising to get to the bottom of it, that’s just what I did. I was relieved (however short lived) to know he hadn’t blatantly lied, BUT, because he didn’t want to take the time or put in the effort, my son decided to use an advertising pamphlet for a dictionary that had a few sample pages in it, instead of the actual dictionary sitting on his desk! The words were in fact, not in the dictionary he purposely chose to use. Instead of giving his best, an excuse was offered and ultimately, an opportunity to shine, lost .

How often do we adults do the very same thing? Maybe it’s taking a short cut, looking for a way out,  or choosing quick over quality. Similar excuses? Oh I have them and I’ll bet you do to.
~Tithe? “Oops, I forgot this week.
~Watching THAT show. “They told me to.”
~Forgiving a family member. “I don’t think it applies to me in this situation.”
We even live as if saying “not in MY Bible,” when we attempt to purposely pick and choose the verses and words we’re willing to follow, while knowing we have the whole Word of God to guide us right at our fingertips. Instead of presenting our best, we often offer an excuse to put forth less, and our opportunity to be a light in the world, is lost.

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 (NIV)

In my dictionary, some of the definitions for “excuse” are: to remove blame, serve as a justification, and release from an obligation. Unfortunately, we don’t have to look far in this world to find lots of dimming and extinguished lights being smothered by a “bowlful” of these very reasons. I don’t know about you, but sometimes, I don’t have to look any further than myself!

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16a (NIV)

If I’m being honest, “shining star” isn’t always an accurate description of me. You either? Here’s the thing though, I’m learning we can’t let that be an excuse to not give our best to complete our “assignment”. Is illuminating God easy? No. Does good work take time and sacrifice? Definitely. Will we always get it right? You and I both know the answer to that. We won’t. We’re challenged however, to work at living lives with meaning found “not in my dictionary“, but rather, ones defined by God’s Word, bringing Him glory and offering a glimmer of hope to those around us.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be throughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Once again this is MORE than five minute MONDAY for me, but I am joining with other writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com this week, thinking about the prompt “Excuse”. (Yikes! I have a lot of them in my life) If you’re interested to see what others have to say on the subject, just click the link. You won’t be sorry! I am grateful you’ve taken your time to join me and my pondering once again. I do not take it for granted!