Oh So Squirrely

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:7-9.

 

 

Jogging with my golden retriever is always an adventure. Today we were running along, and just as I was finding my stride, WHOOSH!  Off she went. You see, my dog is a great running buddy until she gets distracted and then she has a mind of her own. We were jogging at a steady pace, when in the corner of her eye she spotted a squirrel to which she made a mad dash after it, dragging me behind her pulling me with her leash (and all along I thought I was leading her). I tightened up the leash and reigned her in and soon we were back in our groove, until…the next squirrel. This cycle continued for most of today’s run.

 

As we ran, I couldn’t help but think about how much like my retriever I am. I will be following the Lord faithfully, reading his Word, walking in obedience, when something grabs my attention. Sometimes the things that distract me are good things (like planning a wedding). Other times, sin leads me astray.

 

I really want to walk in obedience, but too often I want what I want and that gets in the way. As Sandy (my dog) and I were on the homestretch, she stopped, forcing me to stop as well. As I glanced back to see what had gained her attention, I was disgusted. She was stooped over licking a dead squirrel (what is it with dogs and squirrels anyway?). After I got over the sick feeling in my stomach, I began to wonder how often I went my own way and was content to “lick dead meat” instead of trusting God to lead me to his banquet table.

 

The prophet Isaiah told us centuries ago that God’s ways are not our ways. If we truly believe that his ways are best, then why is it we stubbornly chase after the wind (or squirrels in this case) and settle for far less than God’s best?