Haley spent the first seven years of her life as an 'outside dog.' We live on a large lot with an invisible fence, so she was able to run and play or nap in the sun daily, then retire to her kennel in the garage at night. When my trio started eating from high chairs, Haley was also granted admission to the kitchen after meals. She was far more efficient as the clean up crew than this weary Mama. It was an enviable 'dog's life.'
A year and half ago, while playing fetch, Haley blew out her knee. The injury left her lame and after a trial of six weeks of indoor rest she had surgery. Her post-operative instructions called for four more months of indoor rest. Her knee is now completely healed. Her physical health has been restored. Yet, the combined six months of indoor life changed Haley.She is now an inside dog that sometimes (reluctantly) goes out. Our family has bonded with her on a level much deeper than the more recreational enjoyment we experienced before. When we are outside she wants to be there. She still loves to run, play, fetch and swim, but when we go back inside she insists on accompanying us.
I thought at first it was because of the weather, but it has become clear it is about our presence. She has traded 'freedom' for relationship. She simply wants to be where we are. She waits anxiously for us to come home. She tries to get in my car when I am taking the children to school. Home for Haley is wherever we are.
Earlier this week as I sat down to work on my laptop Haley came and collapsed at my feet. As she laid her head on her paws she let out a sigh that I envied. It was a clear indication that she was relieved and completely at peace. Then, she took a nap.
God used that moment to speak to me. THIS is what I mean by abiding, Jen. THIS is the type of peace and rest I want your soul to find in my presence. THIS is why I wanted Mary at my feet, not in the kitchen scurrying. Slow down. Stop fussing and fretting. REST in me. Not because you know how it will all turn out, but because I AM ENOUGH.
It's humbling when God has to use your old dog to teach you a lesson...but He did.
I am often far more of a yappy dog in my relationship with Him. Jumping up and down, barking, whining, begging for what I want from my Master. He doesn't reject me for that or put me out, but the most intimate moments are those when I collapse at His feet with a sigh and find comfort and rest. Today I am challenged to be more like Haley.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
8 comments:
I love how you are able to use this verse often in such versatile ways. It is one of my favorite verses so it makes me smile to read this. Haley sounds like a wonderful dog!
Oh, our dogs...how they love us. Our lab is an indoor dog but we are at work and school much of the day so he stays on "his" couch, watching out the window, waiting for us to come home. Sometimes, he goes upstairs to our bedrooms and brings down someone's sock, or slipper, and sometimes he finds a N'night (blanket) that our little one has left on his bed. We come home and find him just laying on a "piece of us" on his couch. It's true...dogs and grandparents...they just want to love us. :-)
Beautifully stated, as always.
HaHa. Yes, I use this verse a lot because God seems to be constantly teaching me this lesson. :-)
Thank you for sharing, needed to read this today and it blessed my life! Glad Haley is now a great inside addition for the family. She is adorable!
LOVED this! Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing. I really need to hear this in the busyness of starting with a new class at school. I have been going and going and I need to remember to rest.
Love it!
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