LESSONS FROM A BEAGLE - Part One

“The boys” are in their 20’s, and they aren’t married, so I don’t have any grandchildren yet. But three years ago, my youngest son bought an adorable beagle – so I like to tell people I have one terrific grand-dog!!

(Check out his picture on the sidebar!!)

From time to time, I am asked to “baby-sit” Marty (like I'm doing right now!).

I know, I’m a WONDERFUL mother…

But it doesn’t take any “arm-twisting” to get me to spend a few days with my favorite creature in the whole world (those with fur, anyway!)

Marty is very special – and he has taught me many lessons about love and faith and God. Over the next three days, I’m going to share some with you.

First of all, Marty has the most adorable way of letting us know when he’s hungry, or when he’s run out of water.

He has two dishes that sit in a holder. And when Marty needs something, he goes over to his bowls and taps on them with his paw. And then he sits there, staring at his bowls, waiting for someone to respond. If you don’t get up and take care of him, he’ll tap his bowls again. Sometimes he gets a little more insistent, and starts pushing the bowls around the room with his nose!

Now occasionally Marty has to wait a little longer for us to respond.

When that happens, he’ll come over to us, sit down by our feet, and wait expectantly for us to take care of his needs – knowing that we will.

This gave me such a clear picture of how we should rely on GOD for ALL our needs.

Marty has relied on my son for everything, since the time when he was a tiny puppy. And this is how we should look to God – for He is the ONLY One who can take care of us, the ONLY One who fulfills every need.

Isaiah 58:9, 11: “Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply…The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.”

God is the One who takes care of us fully.

Philippians 4:19: “And this same God…will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

God is right there, beside us – the One who has watched over us since before we were born. He is the true source of life, the fulfillment of our spiritual thirst and hunger, the only One who gives us the nourishment that will fill the empty places in our souls.

All we have to do is talk to Him.

He is listening.

Praying is like Marty “tapping on his bowls.” It’s communicating to God what you need. Now, sometimes God doesn’t answer our prayers right away. Then, like Marty, we have to sit at the Master’s feet, having complete trust in the fact that He HAS heard us, and He WILL respond in His timing.

Trust Him, even when it means waiting.

“Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6)

Are you TAPPING ON THOSE BOWLS, my friends?!

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”