When A ‘Blah’ Day Comes

Animals, like people, sometimes just have a blah day. Our dog, Jack, was having a blah day earlier this week. I could tell he wasn’t sick; he was just tired and lacked a bit of motivation. He was enjoying extra nap times in the sun. When he hadn’t been out for awhile I got his leash and called him. Most often he happily awaits our outdoor excursions. This time, his tail was down, he yawned, looked at me with eyes that said, “Really?” I insisted.

He was slowly going to the door. I opened it and he stepped outside. The air was cold but the sun shone warm. A few seagulls called out overhead. Suddenly, like a coin dropped in a mechanical pony slot, Jack’s steps were quick. He was off. He sniffed here and there, trotted over to some some bushes in need of investigation. A sudden zip-zing was in his every step, his eyes shining with happiness. By the time we finished our walk he was so energized that he continued playtime at home by running up and down the hallway with his toy pig, egging me on to a game of chase.

I had known Jack would be his usual lively self once I got him going. He just needed a loving push from me and he was off! As we were back home, playing chase the pig, and having a bit of a wrestle, I thought of his positive response to a little encouragement. It’s the same with us humans. There is a wonderful verse in Hebrews 10:24, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” We all have blah days; days when nothing is wrong, but we lack simple motivation to get going. This is why we need each other within the family of God.

Another verse in Hebrews 10:25 gives this instruction: “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return in drawing near.” Jesus told us that when just two or three meet together, He is there in the midst. (Matthew 18:20) Sometimes it’s just a phone call, an email, a knock on the door that spurs us on, motivates us to get out of the doldrums, to enjoy our moments.

We all need a little push once in a while, and sometimes we need to do the pushing. Then, like Jack, we’re energized, ready to go, filled with joy, thankful to be gently led out the door.