STUBBORN OLD THING!

 Hero and I have a virtual tug of war every morning when we are walking.  For some strange reason his late afternoon is not such a trial, perhaps he is weary after a long day of napping and protecting us from the next door cat and the birds who dare to visit the feeders.  At any rate, Hero has a mind of his own.  He is only a few inches tall and I am much more---he only weights 10 pounds and I am MUCH more---but he seems to be a slow learner.  He has not caught on that my way is the best way---and stubbornly tries to go his way.  No matter if the sprinklers are on, no matter if there is mud on the sidewalk, no matter if there is a big dog headed our way---NO MATTER WHAT DANGER IS IN HIS PATH----HE IS BOUND AND DETERMINDED TO GO HIS WAY.   You would think after all these walks where I end up snatching him up and out of the way of peril, he would have learned.  You would think he would figure out I always have his best at heart.  You would think---RIGHT!  OH NO---we are walking with him leaning in the direction he has chosen and trying to pull me in the path he has decided is best. and I am holding him by the leash and trying to not choke him.  It is laughable---when it is not trying my patience to the ragged edge.  Here we go--with me faithfully leading him down the road to a nice walk filled with trees, lampposts, and soft grass (he loves high soft grass--I think it must tickle his belly) and he is stubbornly doing everything he can to go his own way.  You would think he would learn---OH NO.  He is a stubborn old thing!

Here he is with his back turned to me pouting.

I'm certain he had not gotten his way again!

As he tried my patience once again this morning, (it's EVERY morning) I began to think of how much alike we are.  God has a plan for me---a plan with my best interest at its core---but I am bound and determined to do things my way.  You would think by this season in life I would have learned.  OH NO--I am leaning in the direction of the world and though God does not have me on a leash--He is still gently nudging me to take the path He knows is best.  I am a stubborn old thing---on my best day I would try the patience of even Job.  His path is the path to sanctification--to be more like Jesus---and yet I have my eyes on the world---the muddy-dangerous-hope stealing world.  I am so thankful He does not give up on me---that even when I am on the path of willful--He is gently calling me back.  His love for us all has no bounds---when will I learn?

"Be patient, therefore, brothers,

until the coming of the Lord.  

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,

being patient about it, 

until it receives the early and the late rains.

You also, be patient.

Establish your hearts,

for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

James 5:7-8