Just got back from taking Jessie for a walk. She literally smiles and wags her tail the entire time…If a dog can feel joy, that is what she is exhibiting.
But sometimes, when she is out with me while I’m working on the yard or talking on the phone on the back porch, she will wander off. She is a very social dog. And I can hardly blame her. It is beautiful here and there is so much open space for her to sniff and check out and explore. And I give her a little freedom to do that as long as I can see her and she can hear my voice. And when I call her and she comes in, she gets a treat.
But if she runs off in her distraction and ignores my voice, she misses out on the treat. She is always welcome home when she decides to come back, but she could have had more if she’d obeyed and stayed close.
Her favorite thing, though, is walking WITH me. The leash guiding, but not pulling. She loves the time together and there is a certain safe feeling in the leash that tells her I’m right there with her and will get her back home safely.
Hmmmmmmm….sounds like me. My favorite thing in the world is walking close to Jesus. Smile on my face, tail wagging 🙂 But there are times when I am distracted and wander off for a sniff or a curious look. He calls and if I listen, my treat is His presence, His work in and around me and the chance to be part of that. But if I ignore His call, I am missing out. And I really, really, really don’t like missing out…:-)
Jessie is lying right next to me, chewing on her bone, completely content. Jesus let that be me. Right there with You, content. Minus the bone…
Psalm 25:4-5 – Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.
