Perspective is everything.
Four days ago I adopted a twelve pound little girl, half dachshund and half chihuahua. She's sweet and funny and full of energy. Sadly, she brought home a tummy bug from the dog shelter. So today we made a trip to the veterinarian's office. While on our way, Gracie whined, gave me the worried dog look, shivered and panted. Although she was on the seat right beside me and I made sure to remind her everything was fine, she was freaked out. My guess is she hasn't ridden in cars much.
I knew Gracie was safe, but my being there, talking to her and keeping a hand on her didn't help Gracie. She was scared the entire thirty minute trip into town and home again. I couldn't comfort her.
Gracie didn't know the truth. All she knew was that the space she traveled in was filled with new smells, sounds, and sensations. No matter what I did, she didn't believe all was well. She trusted the environment rather than me--the one who loves and cares for her and will only do what's best for her.
As God often does He used something from my life, in this case Gracie, to remind me of the truth. He loves and cares for me and does only what is best for me. However, just like Gracie, when I get into a difficult place I look at circumstances instead of God. He's right beside me. He comforts me. He takes my hand. And yet, I quake and worry and wonder how this problem can be resolved.
In Matthew 6 Jesus pointed out that our Heavenly Father feeds the birds of the air and he clothes the lilies of the field. And he asks, "Are we not much more valuable than they?" Yes. We are.
I'm going to take Gracie on lots of rides so she will learn to trust me and that together we can have fun. Likewise, my Heavenly Father will take me on many adventures, some of them will frighten me, but the sooner I learn to trust Him the sooner our time together will be relished.
The next time I'm feeling overwhelmed or scared by life I'm going to think of Gracie and remember God has everything under control.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
Absolute truth... thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteAbsolute truth... thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteConnie, thanks for dropping in. God is the only one with absolute truth--let's look to him. : - )
ReplyDeleteBless you dear friend.
First off, I just burst out laughing when I saw Gracie's eager...and a little disgruntled...look peering out at me. And how clever of you to turn her story into a modern day parable to share with us.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely a Gracie when it comes to some of the trials in my life. In fact, I tend to huddle off by myself and won't even broach the topic with God...mostly because I'm afraid of the path He is taking me on. Silly I know, especially for a committed Christian...but there it is.
Anyway, this has really helped me to put it into perspective. I'll think of Gracie -- and smile -- when I'm tempted to huddle from now on.
Kav, this morning the first my first thought was about Gracie and the insights God gave me through her. Her sweet little face will continue to remind me.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Gracie too. She tries to be brave and so do I, but sometimes it's just so hard to see beyond our own reality.
May the Lord bless you with His peace.
awww, shucks! Does God see us as adorable as your Gracie? Yup! No doubt even moreso... I'll bet that darlin' dawg of yours is already trusting his Mistress more--great story, dear Bonnie, and truly helpful, to say the least! Grace to Gracie 'n grace to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patti. How nice to think God sees me as adorable. : -) You're such an encouragement.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
yes thank u for this entry :) its so true and an awsome example to follow....trust Him
ReplyDeleteSarah
Thank you, Sarah.
ReplyDeleteA simple truth, but sometimes hard to get a hold of.
Many blessings to you,
Bonnie