Confession time. I argue with my Lab sometimes. In my defense, she is stubborn. My husband pointed out one day that he had been watching me with the dogs through the window and wondered why an otherwise reasonable woman would argue with a silly dog.
The thing about my Lab is that she has all kinds of problems. She has arthritis, cannot regulate her body temperature like other dogs, and has food allergies, among other things. Which makes it my business to watch her closely and treat her in ways that might seem unfair to the casual observer. More breaks than the other dogs. Water with ice in it. No human food as treats. Her own bag of expensive, specially sourced treats instead. So you get the idea.
For a dog that cannot think too deeply, she is remarkably observant of what is happening around her. She digs her heels in when asked to do something as simple as lying down and staying put while I take the other dogs out. She will comply for the first few minutes and then decide to join us anyway, limping and grunting the entire way. If she is tied up, she yanks as hard as she can, making me wonder if she is hurting herself in the process. So the alternative is to take her out separately, which means she misses morning time outside with the pack.
I will admit these all sound like reasonable complaints, but where is Jesus in this story? He is me. And I am the stubborn, silly dog. I think I know the big picture, but my ways are different and mostly incorrect.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
-Isaiah 55:8
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
There is an idea I have been sitting with, and I believe it was God given. It takes work, discomfort, and the ability to step outside my comfort zone. It has all the makings of God’s handiwork. And yet I keep finding excuses to chase after my pack instead of slowing down and focusing on what has been asked of me.
Who knew that my stubborn dog would inspire me to walk through the door God is showing me? I know there will be opposition from this Satan soaked world, but as long as I trust that God’s loving hand will open the doors I need to walk through and close the ones I should stay out of, I should be fine. Baby steps toward obedience.
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”
-Revelation 3:8
May you have the strength to follow the tiny voice leading you to whatever God has ordained for you today. God bless you.
Dear God,
I am sorry for being stubborn and digging in my heels. Please teach me to trust and obey, reminding me of the great rewards You shower upon me when I listen to You. Please help me cut through the distractions so that I may follow where You lead. I pray in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.