Lessons From the Park
Blossoms, bold and loaded with a vibrant array of colours led the march from spring into summer. Days became longer, the sun turned its thermostat up a notch or two and people were out more walking in the park where I took my dog, most days, for his (leisurely) stroll.
What follows are two lessons I learned from my walks, and I thought I would share my insights with you.
My dog was minding his own business and having a good sniff while I strolled on. After a while, he looked up, ears cocked and swung his head from left to right, presumably to see where I was.
Meanwhile, two other dogs noticed my dog and started towards him, looking for an additional playmate. Hopefully. Now, we all know, dogs don’t have the best of eyesight, so he kept looking around, all the while the other dogs were getting closer and closer to him. Appearing distracted for mere seconds, I decided to call him.
As I called out his name, he looked up, in the direction he heard my voice and then what he did next made me smile from ear to ear. He did not look to the left or to the right, he looked straight at where he had heard my voice and he started running. Completely ignoring the other two dogs who were by now right in his vicinity and usually would have distracted him, he ran towards me.
I called his name again to encourage him and he galloped straight to me. Patting him and telling him what a good ‘boi’ he was, I smiled because he had heard my voice and did not let anything deter him from getting to me and it reminded me of what Jesus said in the Gospel of John “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
The obedience shown by my dog on that occasion, is a lesson for me to learn and can apply it to my relationship with Jesus. Just look to Jesus and follow His voice when He calls.
Another lesson was what came to me after observing the following.
A father had arrived on bike to meet his two sons outside the playground area in the park, but he stopped and waited for them a little further away from the playground. The younger son had his helmet on and was unsure and a little wobbly on his own bike. The father watched and waited. The older son, surer of his own proficiency on his bike, observing his little brother’s uncertainty gave one thoughtful instruction which had the brother put his foot on the pedal, push down and start pedalling towards his father with his brother at his side. What did the older brother say? “Just follow dad.”
This is what we should say to ourselves and to others who desire a relationship with their heavenly father – “Just follow dad”, and we cannot go wrong. Romans 8: 15-17 tells us,’…you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.’
As can be seen by the second passage of Scripture, we are joint heirs and as joint heirs, that means Christ is our Elder Brother, giving us encouragement as this older brother did for his younger brother. Listening for God’s voice, following it in obedience and following His word, His actions are what makes us true followers and disciples of Christ.
Both my dog and the son felt secure as they obeyed and that is how we will feel by following the example of the One who has our best interest at heart.
May you experience the peace, assurance and security as we listen to His voice, walk in obedience and follow in His footsteps.
Until next time.
Love & Blessings
xxx
