Monday afternoon I took some time to sit outside and just "be". Of course, I don't go anywhere without a 90 pound
I watched as the two moved about the yard and the Holy Spirit began to minister to me about what it is to be a child of God.
I fell in love with both of my girls before they fell in love with me. Precious was just a puppy when I adopted her, so it didn't take her long to figure out that I was her "mommy," but Blondie was a different story all together. She was already four and had a history of abuse. Getting her to a place of trusting me and enjoying the company of her sister was a long process. I couldn't teach Blondie the rules the same way I taught Precious or vice versa. They both have unique personalities and aren't always motivated by the same things. My relationship with each dog had to be individualized.
Fast forward in time, and we've come to a place where both girls do trust me (as much as a dog can exhibit such human traits, anyways). They know that I'm their mommy and that I will absolutely take care of them. They don't worry about where their food is going to come from; they've just come to expect it to be taken care of. After they've done something naughty, Precious will hang her head and lay down and Blondie will go hide for half a second, but inevitably, both will be right back by my side in a matter of minutes. When we're lying around the house, Blondie will roll around on the floor and through every ounce of her body weight around on the floor as if she were having a seizure, all the while a toy hanging out of her mouth as she “talks”. Precious lays directly on her back with all four feet up in the air and does this bicycling motion with her hind feet until she sneezes. I never taught them to do these things, it’s just who they are and I enjoy watching them be comfortable in their own skin.
Finally, the girls want to be around me every second of the day. Anywhere I go, they follow. If I leave, my roommate says they sit at the door or watch out the window and patiently wait upon my return and I’ve never received a mediocre greeting when I’ve arrived back home.
It’s a perfect illustration in my mind. Each of us comes from different backgrounds and different upbringings. For some, believing in God comes as naturally as breathing; it’s all some people have ever known. For others, taking that first step towards salvation can be intimidating and the process of learning who He is as a Daddy can take time. Regardless, He knew us and loved us long before we ever existed (Psalm 139, 1 John 4:10; 19) Furthermore, He sees us and knows individually (Isaiah 43:1, Luke 12:7). He’s patient with us in our learning, and He doesn’t ever give up and cast us aside.
He knows our needs, and He provides them (Philippians 4:19) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in situations and thought, “Hmm, not real sure how you’re going to do this one, Daddy…” but He’s come through every single time. He’s so cool, He even provides for my wants- A few months back I wanted Starbucks on Tuesday, but it was a tight week and at five bucks a pop I knew I could spend the money more wisely elsewhere. The very next day, I received none other than a Starbucks gift card. Coincidence? I think not!
God delights in us, and he loves it when we delight in Him. I know as my relationship with Him grows, I find myself desiring to be in His presence. Sometimes there is this misconception among Christians that A + B= C. A is I have to get up at 3am and read a book of the Bible, B is praying and weeping for hours on end and then C will equal God finally being satisfied with my performance. It’s just not true. God is not a hard task master. Does he expect us to pray and be in His Word? Yes, but it isn’t punishment and it’s not about performance. It’s about relationship and it’s about delight. (Psalm 17:15)
I could go on for hours, but it's a start on some food for thought. How’s that for a lesson in reckless abandon?
