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

PATIENCE--A VIRTUE

 Man has spent a great deal of time pondering patience.  Most things worth discussing are addressed in The Word.  God is not a god who leaves us out in the cold hanging.  Though His Word proclaims patience a virtue; it also is a fruit of the spirit.  Exactly what does that phrase mean, "fruit of the spirit"?  One Biblical definition explains it as "perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in people as the first fruits of eternal glory"

The question then becomes exactly what is a first fruit?  My laymen explanation---if you have ever been to pick blueberries, cherries, or any other fruit--you quickly understand those first fruits---are the best fruits.  When the bush or tree is laden---we may select the very best it has to offer--the largest or the juiciest or the sweetest.  When I lived near a blueberry farm, I tried to be there the first day---first thing after opening.  I wanted the best.  So God is offering us "the best" by not just giving us  fruits, but claiming them as perfect--and a fruit of  glorious eternity.  

Here is the thing---as with most things worth having---there is work involved in the obtaining.  I can personally promise you the road to patience was filled with pot holes.  If you want to grow patience--raise children.  That path is lined with prayers for protection.  An old friend and I were laughing over our youth recently and both proclaimed it was a miracle we were here today.  My mother was not a helicopter parent, she was more of a you kids need to help work the farm parent.  She truly embraced ignorance is bliss when it came to my shenanigans.  As long as we were in one piece at the end of the day and had accomplished her long list of tasks, she was good to go.  My own experience with raising children ---especially the two boys- they were on a mission to help me grow my patience.  

Most things we want to do well require the patience which comes with practice.  We do not run a race for the medal every time we run, but only after days and day of practice.  Ask any musician and they will tell you of the hour upon hour of perfecting their art.  I once asked a violin teacher, "When does it start to sound sweet?".  They replied after MANY hours of practice.    AND as my musician friends can all testify--they continue to practice before any performance---no matter how well trained or proficient.  

I am in the middle of a short course on growing patience.  A little Godly reminder of His timing is always best and I need to practice patience--DAILY.  This trial seems like an eternity, but in God's timing  it is truly a short course.  It has taken a few months, but I have finally decided to sit back be patient and relish the learning.    Anything which is labeled a "fruit of the spirit" I desire--but I need to remember as I practice--it will grow.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, 

faithfulness, gentleness, self control"

Galatians 5:22-23

LESSONS FROM HERO-#1

 Today's post came via the inspiration of the book I am slowly savored--AND a long line of sweet dogs who were part of my family over the years.  As I was walking The Wonder Dog early this morning, I thought of how much we can learn about God and creation by all things in our lives---but for a while---I am going with the dogs (NOT TO THE DOGS).  It is remarkable how many traits we humans share with dogs.  A co-incidence---I THINK NOT.

Hero is NOT just your ordinary dog---he is unique.  I have never had a dog anything like him---I refer to him as the dog who acts like a cat.  Unlike most dogs--he is not jumping all over you to get your attention and affection.  He only demonstrates those tendencies if we have been apart for a few days.  THEN---he is all over me---for about 5 minutes---and then he remembers I left him (the reason does not matter nor does it matter who I left him with)  and he pays me back by pouting. 

NOW---pouting seems to come naturally to Hero.  If I am on the phone, or someone comes to visit, or we go for a visit and he does not have my undivided attention he pouts.  He literally turns his back to me and ignores me.

You will note he is making certain I can see him from my couch in the next room.  What is the point of pouting if no one notices.  He thinks he is punishing me and he is busy showing his disdain for my behavior---little does he know I am over here giggling at his behavior.  He can be quite entertaining.

NOW--I can get back into His Highness's good graces by a treat---or a walk---or throwing his toy---or anything which gives him my total attention.  He is an easy mark.  He can be so fickle--but deep down---he just wants my love and attention---on his terms.

THIS has such a familiar ring---I have been guilty of the same behavior with loved ones.   I am displeased or unhappy with some slight--some thing said or not--some misstep---I pout.  I hate confrontation so I passively aggressively resort to the "silent treatment"---I pout.  NOW--I am not proud of that behavior and thankfully God has redeemed that sinful trait and I have learned to just get over myself and let things pass.  BUT he had to work on me for a long time--before I understood my behavior hurt me--first and foremost--much more than it hurt anyone else.

This brings me to today's point---do we pout with God?  When things have not gone our way---when we do not understand how God could allow certain things to happen---do we refuse to communicate with Him?  Do we turn our backs---and give Him the silent treatment?  I can only answer for myself---but I challenge you to really think this over.  He never turns His back on us---is infinitely patient---and loves us even when we are being brats.   SO THANKFUL--for God's grace---for I certainly do not deserve it.  BUT He only wants us to turn to Him--and speak our mind.  HE always listens--but do we?

"The Lord passed before him and proclaimed,

'The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious,

slow to anger,

and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,

keeping steadfast love for thousands,

forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,"

Exodus 34:6-7

WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR STRING

At this point in  life, it is my personal aim to be comfortable in my clothes.  I wore jeans as casual attire for much of my life, but with the introduction to elastic waist bands I am a changed woman.  Jeans could never compare in the comfort department to these lovelies~

 AND I prefer soft dri-fit material and a string in the waist band.  This helps with keeping my pants up even when my weight fluctuates.  I call them expand-o-matics.  Most days this is my dress of choice.

There is a down side----when I forget to tie the string before throwing them in the wash disaster ensues.  Yesterday as I pulled them out for a quick spin in the dryer at low heat before hanging to dry---low and behold the string had come out of one side.   GROAN!  NOW--this is fixable--but it takes a great deal of patience to accomplish the task.  I spent at least 30 minutes salvaging one of my favorite pair of pants...WORTH IT!  I could have just thrown them out and bought a new pair, but they were salvageable with a little patience.  They had served me well--and nothing was wrong with them--except the lop sided string.  So I restrung the string.  (That should be a country song lyric.)

So many things in life can be fixed with a little patience and there is always that feeling of accomplishment when you efforts pay off.  Waste not--want not.

Today I am so thankful for a loving God who considers me salvageable---when it must look like I am beyond repair.  He lovingly and patiently steers me back on the true course--He repairs my breaks and helps me move forward.  He is even willing to restring my string if needed.  Our God of infinite patience never discards us--He lovingly restores us.  We are blessed!

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved,

that with the Lord

one day is as a thousand years,

and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness,

but is patient toward you"

II Peter 3:8-9

TUG OF WAR

Recently I stayed with one of the grands while his family camped for the weekend and he was involved in a school related competition (WHOOPEE--he received regional band recognition as a 7th grader! Proud Lulu moment).  While staying at his home, I also had his dog in my care.  Let's just say Rocket is aptly named.  My housemates were also gone for the weekend and I was in charge of their canine also.  I walked LOTS of miles that weekend between the three of them.

One morning I had the brilliant idea to walk the youngest dog in my pack (Rocket) with the oldest dog (Hero).  My good ideas regularly blow up in my face!  Especially this morning.  Our walk strongly resembled this

Rocket is off to the races as soon as we leave the house at day break.  Hero---being the stubborn old man he is--wants to smell the calling cards left by the neighborhood canine friends and is in no hurry.  I am pretty sure one arm might now be longer than the other.  It was a comedy of struggling wills.  I have witnessed many of my neighbors walking more than one dog.  Their walks look like this-

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG???

Two dogs----out for a common mission, but with two distinct ideas about the manner in which it should be accomplished.  Instead of settling into the flow and working together it was a struggle from the get go.  We made it back--some of what we needed to happen was accomplished--but there was a startling awareness of a lack of co-operation between the two.  OH THE THINGS WE COULD HAVE DONE IF THEY HAD ONLY COMPROMISED AND WORKED TOGETHER!  Instead we ended up having to take separate walks a short time later to reach our complete goal.

A good lesson in life for any of us when working with others to accomplish like goals.  We have had some frustration with multi-generational living since our move and our expectations of how we accomplish settling in.  I have been alone for a long time and have gotten used to quickly accomplishing my goal of being settled.  My son's family has a two year old to think about.  He requires lots of attention and careful watching which consumes a great deal of their energy.   They also both work.   They have stuff for three people and I only have my things which have been drastically pared down with each move.  We are still not settled, but we are getting closer.  I have learned to lower my expectations, look past my frustrations, and remember it will get accomplished--just not on my timetable.   I have been reminded how God is teaching us the need for patience in the sanctification process.  Our ultimate sanctification will be accomplished on His timetable for His good reasons.  Patience is a virtue.  Patience comes with practice.  God's patience with each of us is abundantly evident in our lives.  A post for another day-  the striking evidence I have seen of His purpose in my move--even when I am extremely frustrated.  ALL IN HIS GOOD TIME!

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4