Some is Better Than None...And More is Better Than Some...Except When it is Not

"Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD."  Proverbs 16:20 (NIV)

There were 30 minutes left before my daughter and I needed to leave for her piano lesson.  My consistency (in the last week or so) in walking had been good.  I wanted to keep that going.  I decided that I could make a quick round of the neighborhood before we had to head out. 

I put on my sneakers and took off...at a brisk clip.  I got winded going up the hill, but pressed on.  I focused on the straight stretch beyond me...still uphill...and kept going.  I finally reached the summit and headed downhill.  That's when the enemy started talking.  "You know that you're really not walking that far.  It probably doesn't even count.  How much good can a 20 minute walk do?"

I said, "Surely some is better than none."

He continued to taunt me.  "You know you'll never keep this up.  Why even try?"

Again, I encouraged myself..."Surely some is better than none."

As I pondered that scenario, I couldn't help but relate it to my spiritual walk.

Like on crazy busy mornings when my hubby is out of town and I'm trying to get breakfast and lunch fixed and get my girlie to school on time and myself to work on time and I didn't get up extra early to spend time in the Word...but I make sure that I get at least a snippet of devotion time.

Some is better than none.

I believe that God has spoken volumes to me in times of devotional reading.  Even when I didn't have time to leisurely sit and soak up His Word.

So it's better not to skip either...the walk...even if it's short...time to hear from God before you start your day...even if it's a brief word.

Now...more is better than some.  I hope I'm going to lengthen my walk as I build endurance and get in better shape.  And I long to spend time just soaking in the goodness of His Word.

But let's not get discouraged with our offering of "some."

I must add a disclaimer. 

The some...and the more...that are better apply to things that are actually good for us...as our key verse said, of heeded instruction...like obedience to God, time in His Word, time in prayer, and so on...as well as healthy eating and exercise...and fiber (well maybe not too much)...and wise choices.

It doesn't apply to butter...and cookie dough...and sugar...and ice cream...and the biggest steak on the menu.

God, thank You for accepting my "mite."  Thank You for hanging in there with me when I fall down...or when I'm inconsistent.  Thank You for taking my smallest offering and multiplying it because that's just what You do.  Help me with my somes...and mores...and to stay away from the things that don't apply.