It's a Dog's Life

This weekend is the one year anniversary of our adoption of the newest member of the family, a dog named Jayda Lea. We're not entirely certain what breed she is or how old she is but she attached herself to John pretty much from day one. We have discovered over the course of this year that the care of a pet is a lot like caring for a child:

• You have to teach them the appropriate place to potty;
• If you don't pay enough attention to them, they are inclined to do something naughty to get that attention;
• If you want to leave for the weekend, you have to get someone to watch them or you could come back to a house that has been unfavorably redecorated;
• And, as is often times the case in adoption situations, they can come with a bit of baggage from their past. 

We don't know exactly what Jayda's background is but she came to us with the propensity to melt into  a shaking, whining basket case over the slightest noise or harsh tone. She is much better now but there are still times when something will trigger her defensive response and she will drop into a submissive position. Although she has never bitten anyone and aggression doesn't seem to be her reaction, we are not 100% certain of what she is capable of should she feel threatened.

Whether we like it or not, humans don't seem to be terribly different from my somewhat complex pet. Our pasts will affect our responses no matter how hard we try to separate the two. Good or bad, we are a product of the experiences we have been through as children, teenagers, and adults. We can try to deny them, forget them, swear not to let them impact our future, or, as is most popular today, use them as an excuse to justify our bad behavior.

From what I have studied in the Bible, we have but one choice when it comes to dealing with our past and the reactions it might provoke. We must be aware of how our personal history can taint our present perspective, filter our natural reaction through God's Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our responses. We can't completely escape our background but we are not a slave to it either. At least not when we hand over our past to the Lord and let Him "work all things to the good." (Romans 8:28)

"...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

The simple life

Labor Day. A day off from work, a day to catch up on things at home, a day to have some last summer fun, and today, a day for a revelation.

For those who don't know our family, we have a daughter, Laurie, who has special needs. Although her physical body has been on this earth for 32 years, her mental capacity hovers around the 2-3 year old mark most days. She lives in an independent supported living home but comes home every Sunday, every holiday, and one weekend a month. Except for Sunday afternoon trips to the neighborhood swimming pool, Laurie really doesn't care to go anywhere or do anything when she comes home. She just wants to "pway" (play). And quite often she wants me to participate in whatever she is interested in at the time.

"Mama, sit here" with a pat to the seat next to her clues me in that she needs my attention for a while. We can sit on the glider on the porch as she gives me a running one word commentary on what she sees outside. Or we can drag our lawn chairs out to the driveway and wave at all the cars that go by. Or a pat on the couch next to her means she wants to show me what is in the book or catalog she's looking at, "Wook, mama, wook." You might even find us swinging in the hammock, although balancing with someone who is usually in perpetual motion is tricky. And if you try to put her off or ignore her, she uses the strength of her adult body to change your mind. No matter where it is or for how long, it is always precious time, especially now that she's not living at home.

Now here's my revelation. I wonder how many times God has said to me, "Sharon, sit here" and I've not taken the time to listen. As cherished as my time is with Laurie, how much more should my time with the Lord be? Yet, when He has something to show me, or tell me, or just wants to spend time with me, do I pay attention? He longs for us to open His book so He can show us essential things but unlike Laurie, He will not force us to "sit here." We have to chose how we spend our time and whether we will pay attention.

1 Corinthians 1:27 says, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Once again, my supposedly weak minded daughter has taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes just sitting may be the most important thing I will get done that day and the best investment of my time. Thanks, Laurie for showing me the way.