In the process of teaching him to obey the command to "come" when called, he ran out the length of his leash at full speed which naturally brought him up short with a choking jerk. A desperate yelp, then with terror in his little eyes, and blinding puppy speed, flew back to his master, landing full force in my arms....and staying there until his puppy trauma faded.
Somewhere I've read, (Ps. 46) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." That's us to Gibby. But I could not help but compare my "refuge" use of God to Gibby.
He wants to venture out, but insists I always be within his eyesight. If he loses sight of me, he panics, and with little feet hardly touching the ground flies back to the spot where he last saw me. I'm always there.
And with God I venture away. God hangs in there for me, faithfully awaiting my return. I've learned that if I cannot see God, returning to the point where I parted company with Him is critical to His presence in my life again.
Gibby, like us, will learn obedience. Won't be all pleasant for him. But it is necessary for him if he is to be safe and protected. By now this aged one should have obedience down pat. Hardly. Hebrews 12 has it correct. God's discipline of his children, not necessarily pleasant, afterwards yields the "peaceful fruit of righteousness". It puts everything back into right relationships...with God, myself, and others. Or at least it is supposed to, according to the Word. Even the Lord Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered (Heb. 5:8)...a concept I have difficulty wrapping my mind around.
I love Gibby. He is a joy to me. I know God loves me. I want to be a delight to Him. Simple obedience is critical to the process.
2 comments:
Oh Mick, how true this is. The older I get the more I'm learning how disobedient I am! I so miss sitting under your teaching, but am so thankful for all those wonderful years at SMBC! Thank you for your leadership, teaching and friendship!
Interestingly we have been reading through Hebrews and just finished chap 12. Thanks for your insight into discipline - I continue to try and puzzle out what discipline from a loving gracious God looks/feels/is like but I sure like the picture you painted of your Gibby and you. Food for continuing reflection.
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