Heeling Power

I took my dog for a walk this morning.

It’s not one of my favorite activities; in fact, I dread it. My 10-year old dog Maggie is sweet and well-behaved, but she’s developed some bad habits over the years that are not easy to break. I’ve never been serious about training her to walk on a leash.  But now that she weighs 60 pounds, I am determined to get her under control!

The truth of the matter is: I don’t walk Maggie; she walks me. One thing after another grabs her attention so that she constantly wanders away from me. I have to keep tugging on her leash, and saying, “Heel!”

Wander. Tug. “Heel!”
Wander. Tug. “Heel!”

She’d much rather run after the squirrel scampering across the road, or stop to smell the “evidence” of other dogs along the way. Worst of all, when a neighbor passes by with their perfectly-behaved canine, Maggie lunges forward, causing me great embarrassment. “Heel, Maggie!” I command, using all my strength to PULL her back to my side.

Oh, why didn’t I train her back when she was a puppy? It would have been much easier on both of us!

The whole thing kind of reminds me of parenting. I wonder how many bad habits we allow for our children because we don’t diligently train them when they are young? When they resist the restrictions we put in place for their own good, are we tempted to give in?

In fact, I wonder how many of the struggles that I face are caused by my refusal to yield to the discipline and training of my own Father? In what areas have I resisted His loving limits, thinking “freedom” would be so much more satisfying?

How thankful I am for a loving, patient Father who has been training me all along, and who never gives in!

I’ll be back out struggling with Maggie again tomorrow.  But take my advice - train your children (and your pets) when they’re young – it’s a lot easier!

It is good for a man that he should bear the yoke in his youth. –Lamentations 3:27