Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Cooperation + Authority = Joy

Blue and I trudged up the gently sloping hill along our country road. His muscular body tugged at his leash. My arm stretched out in response to his strong will. He was dead-set on getting ahead of me. I exerted my authority and pulled him back.

But the great adventure called to him.

There were rabbits to chase and cats to tree. Not to mention our neighbor's chickens. But, I knew there were hunters in the woods and speeding dump trucks could appear at any moment around any of these mountain curves. Like it or not, Blue had to trust the restraint I put on him.

Blue relaxed and joined stride with me. When Blue cooperated, our journey was pleasant. When he cooperated and trusted my authority, we found joy in each other's company. A gentle breeze breathed refreshment into my weary spirit. I felt the tension ooze out of my body.

We rounded the next curve. Blue stopped. His nose began to twitch. His tail stiffened. Oh no...here we go. I wrapped the leash around my hand one more time. With the strength of a bull, Blue took off. I spread my legs to find some balance and grabbed the leash with both hands. It was like holding back an 18 wheeler from the edge of a cliff! No joke.

"Blue!" I yelled. But all he could think about was the squirrel racing up the pine tree. "Blue!" Just as quickly as he had run with complete abandon he stopped and looked back at me as if to say, "Sorry, mom. I forgot you were back there."

I stood there for a moment to catch my breath. He dropped his head and lifted his forlorn brown eyes in my direction. "I know, Blue. I forgive you, you silly baboon." I hugged him and we went on our merry way.

Can you feel a God-moment coming on? Oh brother, did He get my attention that afternoon. How often have I run ahead of Him, get myself in a tizzy over nothing and hear Him calling, "Nan! Nan! Slow down. My restraint is for a reason. Stop getting ahead of me."

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor - it is the gift of God" ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1,11-13.

When Blue cooperated, our journey was pleasant.
When he cooperated and trusted my authority, we found joy in each other's company.

I get it Lord. Thank You for Your insight.



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