What Are You Chasing?

At many dog races, the canines run after a fake rabbit around a track until they get to the finish line. On occasion, when there is a mechanical failure, the dogs actually catch the pretend rabbit and are ruined for the rest of their lives. They never race again because they know they are being deceived. They may even become depressed and stop eating.

We may feel for these dogs, but aren’t they like most of us? We spend much of our lives striving after the “if only’s.” If only I had a new car. If only I had a bigger house. If only I could get that promotion. If only my wife wasn’t so cranky. If only my kids were smarter. Etc. Then, if we do ever attain an “if only”, we realize it doesn’t deliver the anticipated happiness. It was a fake all along.

~Excerpt from All Pro Dad’s “Play of the Day”

~ by Scott Tyson on February 20, 2008.