Why I Delayed (and Shortened) My Morning Run

I rose early on Sunday and dressed for a run. I asked my daughter, who had also risen early, to walk the dog. She agreed, but as she was preparing to do so, I heard a whisper in my conscience: “Go with her.”

I fought it at first–I wanted to start my run–but I found myself realizing that running, in this moment, would have been a selfish decision.

“If you wait just a second, I’ll go with you,” I said.

“OK,” she smiled brightly.

It was simple; we went for a short walk with the dog, just up and down our street. We talked and laughed. The whole thing probably took 10 minutes.

When we came back inside, she had the idea to make breakfast for the rest of the family, who were still in bed.

“OK,” I said. (When a 9 year old is eager to make her 7 year old brother breakfast in bed, you take it.)

We made breakfast together. She even took the coffee grinder to the outside porch to ensure its noise didn’t awaken anyone. She wrote encouraging notes to put on the breakfast trays.

We delivered the breakfasts together and enjoyed the surprised and grateful responses. I encouraged her and thanked her for the great idea.

And THEN I went running–not as long as I’d planned to–but happier than I would have been otherwise.

Who needs time with you?
What personal interest might you need to delay or sacrifice on behalf of others?

~ by stoshdwalsh on March 1, 2010.