When we were in Guatemala, I missed Hershey. We all missed Hershey. Hershey LOVES to go on a walk and so this morning, she and I went on our first walk since returning from our "home" down south. I worked a really long day yesterday (17 hours) and so I took today off. After taking the kids to school and doing a little follow up on the ol' computer, I got Hershey's harness out and we headed out. There's just something about walking with my dog that is good for me. Yes, I know the exercise is good, but I'm talking about my emotional and spiritual parts. I've been thinking about that today, and I think I have it figured out: I can learn a lot from Hershey. I think I have a lot to say about this, so I'll call this "Part I" and I'll share more on another day. If you aren't a dog person, you might think this post is corny. Sorry!
Lesson #1--Love
Hershey loves me. She knows that I'm the one that typically takes her for a walk and she greets me with great excitement, especially if I have her harness in hand. She promptly sits down, putting up her right front paw so that I can put the harness on. She's ready. She doesn't pull on the leash when we walk (unless she sees another doggie and then she's ready to meet a potential new friend). But, she's happy if we see no one and it's just us. Again, she loves me. And I love her.
I see so many parallels and lessons in my relationship with Hershey and my relationship with God (or perhaps where I would like to see my relationship with God). God loves me. And I love Him. I should be so excited to meet God every day. I wish I could say that I am, but it's not always the case. Sure, I'm grateful everyday, but there are some days when I just don't want to do what God wants me to do and so I'm not always "excited" about meeting Him each day.
Lesson #2--Safety and Protection
Hershey trusts me. She trusts me to keep her safe when we are out and about. She looks back at me when we are walking along, often putting her "beak" as we call it (her nose/muzzle) in my hand for that little reassurance that I'm coming along. Yes, lovie. I'm right behind you, holding gently to your leash.
I look to God for His reassurance and protection too. Being with Hershey today, however, reminds me that I perhaps need to do this more--Look to Him.
Lesson #3--Be Still
Hershey and I don't have to talk. Yes, I know she doesn't talk, but you know what I mean. We are just WITH each other as we walk. No talking is needed. We enjoy being together and walking.
God doesn't need me to talk all of the time. He needs me to listen. He needs me to just be with Him. Spending time together. Just like Hershey needs me to spend time with her. One of the things that resonated with me over and over in Guatemala was for me to "be still." Here, I have many more distractions. It's not always easy to be still and listen, but I am trying. I'm getting better at it, I think.
....to be continued....
This is one of the only pictures I have of Hershey (on the right) and Augie together. Sweet Augie crossed the rainbow bridge in March 2009. Oh I miss her! I'll write another post on her another day. She taught us many lessons too (and she loved walks too!). I love you both, my four-legged kiddos!
No comments:
Post a Comment