Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

Two of Satan’s greatest tools are distraction and rationalization. I often think how I am too tired to read my scriptures, but I am awake enough to take a phone call from a friend, or watch a television program.   I can rationalize anything.  It is just one candy bar, at least I didn’t eat the Rocky Road brownie I wanted. It may seem like these are simple distractions and rationalizations, but Satan is not going to get me to go sit in a bar and pick up men, he is not going to get me to drink alcohol or take drugs.  He can and unfortunately does succeed at getting me interested in other pursuits instead of doing what I should.  I should exercise for my health, but the dollar movie is only 50 cents tonight.  I should do my visiting teaching, but some friends are going out to dinner.  I should read my scriptures and mediate and pray, but there is a Tom Hanks marathon on television.  I need to make myself aware of my distractions and my rationalizations so I do not stray from the path.  I have no excuse to stand one day in front of the Lord and say, I woulda, shoulda, coulda, but there was a Tom Hanks marathon on television Lord…you understand right?