We often hear dogs chasing rabbits behind our house. They may or may not catch any rabbits. However, we know the chase ends when the barking stops.

Many of us also enjoy chasing rabbits. Whether we have seen rabbits or not, we have chased them. The chase may occur:

• Inside or outside
• At home or away
• In our minds or in our words and actions
• By ourselves or with others
• Because we are bored, lazy, or tired

We chase rabbits when we get off the subject.

Rather than talk about business, we discuss other issues.

• Students ask unimportant questions, hoping to avoid classwork.
• Workers discuss sports or unrelated topics with bosses.
• Family members avoid difficult issues.

Chasing rabbits usually causes no harm.

We get back on subject and do what we have to do. Many teachers, bosses, and family members enjoy brief breaks too.

Occasionally chasing rabbits leads to disaster.

We love to watch rabbits in our garden spot of the world. However, we don’t love the problems they cause.

Those cute little creatures, that appear all ears, damage:

• Gardens
• Trees
• Shrubs

Likewise, we love chasing rabbits. However, it keeps us from important work. If we fail to stay focused:

• Grades drop.
• Businesses fail.
• Relationships suffer.

Rabbits are fun when they cause no damage. Chasing rabbits is fun, if we eventually tackle the work before us.

Enjoy breaks, but get the job done.

“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means” (2 Corinthians 8:11 NIV).

Thanks to Carole Fite for the suggestion.

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