Last week, Max, one of my dogs went to the vet to have a growth removed from his foot. He came home the same day and the next day he seemed not to want to walk anywhere - and who could blame him? So I left him at home and walked the other two days without him.
The second day, Max seemed much better. He seemed anxious to go out for his morning walk but before we had gone 100 yds., he sat down and refused to go further.
Obviously, I had a decision to make: 1) I could insist we finish our walk and drag him along hoping he might change his mind or that his foot would stop hurting; 2) I could pick him up and return home with the other two dogs and none of us would get our morning walk; 3) I could pick him up and carry him the half mile or more that our morning walk usually takes us.
I picked him up and we went on our way. Max got his fresh air and a look at the neighborhood sights from a new angle while the other two dogs and I got our usual walk in.
I've read that 'footprints in the sand' thing a number of times and it always seems too 'cutsey' yet there on that morning was an example of just that kind of love.
That morning Max was feeling somewhat better and was trying to make it on his own in spite of his injured foot. He doesn't know how to ask for help but I confess that too often I don't ask for help either. When we're hurt, our first thought (like Max) is to stop in our tracks or go back somewhere safe.
Or perhaps it seems that God is dragging us forward into a world we want no part of - a world that hurts too much - when we'd rather just give up and go back.
Or - we might let God carry us for a while. We'd move forward with a new perspective and a helping hand and God would show us the path.
Maybe I'll reread that 'footsteps in the sand' thing again...
Lord, help me learn to trust you enough to let you carry me when I'm weak. Amen
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