On Disapline, And Hardship

A friend of mine bought a puppy. It ran around with the kind of wet nosed, furry coated, and playful disposition that is really quite endearing. So of course (like a sucker) I said yes when he approached me with the opportunity of selling the little guy. He couldn't rightly keep him locked up alone in his house while he was gone all day. And frankly I was looking for a friend who was good at listening, and not so good at talking. Some of the training him not to poop in my house was a bit of pain, but we've long since left those things in the past (well at least I hope so).

However my furry friend has developed a bit of a desire to explore. Lately he's been heading over to the neighbors which, where I live, is a bit of a distance. He has all the room in the world out here. I don't mind if he's out exploring several miles away (he knows where home is). But I'm just not that crazy about him bothering the neighbors. Although their little daughter loves him to death and begins chanting his name when he's around.

Today I decided to give the "ok" for my friend to tie a couple of tin cans to his tail. And of course as soon as the deed was done he took off running. He ran around their yard some (spooked their cattle a little) and then hid somewhere. By the time I decided to come and call for him he was yelping as if someone had hit him, and he dove into my truck ready to get home. Panting and all excited he just sat there and looked at me with eyes that spoke of a hard day.

I knew the look because I've felt the same at times. I've been in the places I shouldn't have been, and God has allowed some correction to come into my life. I have also encountered the hard days, that come up when going through the issues that simply come up in life. The other day one of the youth asked why God doesn't just make everything work out. Why, if we are Christians, doesn't it all just come together?

There have been times when parents have asked me this same thing. Why, if I'm following the Lord and I care about my children, do they sometimes just go their own way? I mean if we do things right won't they be spared that kind of situation? But the answer is no. Even the best of parents sometimes get children that don't follow the Lord. And sometimes the worst of parents are blessed with a child that is deeply surrendered.

God has a desire to form us. I'm sure my dog didn't quite get why I would let him have tin cans tied to his tail. But I hope he will be formed by it. That it will come to his mind when he begins his trek over to that other farm. And I hope that I can be formed by the things that have come my way.

Like I said to the kids in my youth group, I don't understand even now why some of the things had to happen. But I do know that in looking back on it all that he is good and was with me through it. Come may we show our "proven" faith. A faith that has been tried and tested. A faith that has endured through all of the hard and difficult things. And may we remember with clarity that he only disciplines the ones he loves.

And I pray that my dog and I get the lessons the first time through.

Well I share just in case you cared, and if you don't that's ok too.