Too Late

On By Beth AlisanIn Lessons

Adi sat silently at the end of our porch, ears perked, intently watching the yellow Lab walk up the road.  It wasn’t until Winston and his owner turned down their tree lined driveway that Adi finally emitted one lone bark.  For several minutes, she sat in silence, waiting, hoping he had heard and would reappear to play.  Finally, she laid back down.  “I’m afraid your greeting came too late girl,” I commented before resuming my work.

“Too late.”  Those words and Adi’s wistful look stuck with me as I tried to turn my mind back to the task at hand.

 I am not impulsive in action or words.  Which is great when I’m angry or upset.  But, it has also kept me from extending a hand of friendship or speaking words of affirmation or encouragement into a person’s life.  I sense the urge to reach out but overthink and refrain.  Like my Lab, I often wait until it’s “too late” and the window of opportunity has closed.

The Lord has been showing me the need others have for camaraderie as well as words of encouragement, kindness, and affirmation.  He’s been challenging me to step forward quicker before it’s “too late.”

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another . . .”

Hebrews 10:24-25

© 2024, Lessons from a Lab, Beth Alisan.  All Rights Reserved.

22 thoughts on “Too Late”

  1. I have done the same–second-guessed a response and said nothing at all, then regretted it later. For years now I’ve tried to make it a habit of praying as I leave the house, that whatever the upcoming encounters, I might be a compassionate listener as well as a voice of HIS discernment and wisdom. I pray that puts me in the right frame of responsiveness so that even as I get caught up in the moment, he will work through me just the same!

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  3. Your wise thoughts made me think of one positive of the post-COVID era. It seems like people are more honest about their struggles. And, it seems like there is more hugging. Being a human is more difficult than any of us thought! We need each other.

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  5. Beth, both you and Adi struck a chord within me today. I too often miss opportunities due to hesitation and overthinking. I want to grow more in the area of blessing spontaneity–by discerning the Spirit’s nudge.

    Thank you for heeding the nudge to share this reflective devotion!

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  7. Beautiful post! Reaching out to those around us is so very important. Often, we feel that gentle nudge…it may be someone is on our mind, and we need to call them. It may be a stranger who seems to need a kind word. On a cloudy day and suddenly the sun comes out, we immediately feel better. Our words and actions have the same effect on people…a simple smile can bring a lot of sunshine.

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  8. How often have I walked away from someone and thought, “I should have said…” Your words have impacted me this morning. “Too late.” Those are sobering words, simple but profound. May I take to heart the importance of NOT hearing those words when it comes to the ways I can reach out to others all around me. Bless you, Beth, for once again speaking to my heart.

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    1. Oh, I’m so glad this spoke to you Patty! Your reflections remind me why I need to keep sharing these lessons from a Lab. Hope you are enjoying all the fall activities and the joys of having a toddler about who gives every seasons a new sense of adventure.

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  9. Thanks for sharing this look behind the curtain, Beth. You’ve given me something to think about. My initial thought was “yeah, I’m the opposite. I probably need to practice more restraint.” After thinking about it, I’m not sure it’s true albeit I have a family history of impulsive action and stubborn tendencies. Great post. You’ve definitely given me something to reflect on.

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  10. I’m on the other end of the spectrum, Beth. Being inclined to impulsively and apt to say too much, has been a burden for me most of my life. Thankfully, as I’ve grown older I’ve gotten better at managing myself. And, there have been key times when my talent for empathetic action and words has been just what God used to help someone else.
    It’s so good to see you post again, Beth! Doggie hugs to Adi. 🐾🐾

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    1. Thank you David! I love how we are each a work in progress and a reflection of the Lord’s work. Finding time to write or just simply read has become quite a challenge the further we get into the school year. I know this is for a season but I do miss being an active part of the WordPress community.

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  11. I was just about to head to bed when this lovely post popped up in my inbox…”bed can wait a bit longer” I told myself as I eagerly open your post. I am never disappointed when I am greeted by a photo of Adi; I know there is a warm doggy story with a spiritual lesson attached. I must admit, I get a kick out of spurring others on, be it in a word or some other way – the Holy Spirit always rewards our kindness to others. I love your chosen scripture, it is one of many “one another” verses in our Bible. May our Father God continue to guide and bless you today sister 🙏

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