We could learn a lot from our furry companions.
My sister and her family brought their dog, Scout, along on their visit south this summer. She’s actually still a puppy, a very big puppy. She’s some kind of lab mix with lots of energy. My sister did some obedience training with her and she learned to use the command, “Leave it,” when Scout is exhibiting undesirable behavior.
It was really kind of fascinating to watch. When Scout would bark when she wasn’t supposed to, my sister would use the command and she would stop and lie down and relax. When she was chewing on something she wasn’t supposed to, the command would make her stop. When she was doing just about anything she wasn’t supposed to be doing, the command worked.
Sometimes, Scout was reluctant to obey and my sister would have to use a sterner tone, but eventually Scout would comply. Dogs, by their very nature, want to please their master.
We could learn a lot from Scout.
I thought about her interactions with my sister long after they headed back north. I thought about how we would all be better off if we were better at listening to the voice of our Master.
How often does His voice simply say, “Leave it?”
When we are anxious and afraid, “Leave it.”
When we are picking up or participating in something we have no business being a part of, “Leave it.”
When we really want to engage in unnecessary arguments or disagreements, “Leave it.”
When we want to hang on to pain and guilt from our past, “Leave it.”
Sometimes His voice is really quiet and sometimes it’s louder, if He really needs to get our attentions, but “Leave it,” seems to apply to most of the earthly situations in which we want to chase and often entangle ourselves.
Because of Jesus and His sacrifice for us, we are all invited to “Leave it,” at the foot of the cross. Whatever “it” is, is redeemable. God has an amazing way of turning ashes and despair into magnificence that we can hardly even recognize.
But, the key comes from obedience. He will not force His will on us. He doesn’t tell us to “Leave it.” He invites us to. When we willingly comply, the peace and rest and joy are beyond anything we can really imagine.
The choice is ours. Are we willing to “Leave it?”
A dog reminded me of the importance of obedience, trust and faith. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂
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