Volume 47: Rest in Off Leash

 

I feel pretty confident in stating the fact that there are few dogs in this world that are as easy to walk as Sadie is. Even though she is not on a leash, she always stays off the road and knows to stay on the left side in the grass. Even at the sound of a car, she knows to come close and wait until it passes.

She'll run ahead, but then stop, look back and wait for you to catch up - without you even having to say a word. 

She'll lag behind when she stops to smell something or is tired when going up a hill in the heat, but then she'll run to get back to you.

And then sometimes, she'll just walk right by your side, looking up at you with her tongue out and panting.

If someone were to be watching from a distance, they would most likely come to the conclusion that she was on a leash, or at least one of those invisible leashes. 

But there's no leash. And there's not even any commands. She's simply obedient and loyal to her human. Even though she may stay back and sniff or run ahead and explore, she never allows herself to get out of sight. Because she knows that the best place for her to be is next to her human. 

In life, there are times I go off on my own accord, but may I always be quick to reorient myself by coming to my Father's side. 

Sadie didn't come out of the womb knowing how to walk without a leash. It took manyyyy walks and a lot of training with Dad. A lot of one on one time spent together. And a lot of walks - a daily practice. 

May I remember that every good outcome takes time! Takes training! And takes obedience! May I continue to learn. And continue to spend time with Jesus, allowing Him to teach me and strengthen me. So that I can go off leash, yet always be anchored to my Father in Heaven!