I recently had the opportunity to take care of our  neighbor’s dog. They were off touring Switzerland, 11 days of hiking the Alps and sampling the local cuisine. 

Koda is a Shitzu by breed but a mule by character. He’s tiny but boy does he have a stubborn streak. Some would call him strong-willed. I, and his owners, call him spoiled. 

Morning walks, well actually any time of day, were difficult. It was a constant tug of war. He pulled in one direction and I tried to guide him in the opposite. Or my favorite, the sit-down-so-you-can’t-move-me stance. Which meant I had to coax him from the sitting position, get him to stand, and then move forward. My will versus his will. And his will often won. 

If his disposition for playing tug of war wasn’t enough, he is also easily distracted. Our walks became more about teaching me patience than allowing him to do his natural business. A snail crossing the sidewalk, a leaf on the curb, the occasional cat crossing the walking path, or another dog, human, or bird. I think you get my point. There wasn’t much that didn’t catch Koda’s attention and when it did, it required time, sometimes a LOT of time, to get him back on course. 

One morning, we met a senior dog trying to do his natural business, and Koda was enamored by his size. He did everything possible to gain his attention. He spun on the end of the leash, darted under the senior dog, and around his owner’s legs. Unfortunately, the senior dog wanted no part, and the senior dog’s owner didn’t want to be bothered. I was left trying to refocus Mr. Stubborn Distraction so we all could complete our walks.

But I am pleased to report that I finally found a way to entice Koda to stay on track.  

Koda is a treat-motivated little guy. So, loaded with a pocket of treats, we sat out on our walks. And in time Koda started learning that a walk can consist of more walking and less stopping. It was a freeing moment, for him, and me. 

It’s been an interesting 10 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 15 seconds. But believe me, I would do it all over again. Along with all the stubbornness and distractions comes the sweetest companion and friend. But next time, I’ll start with a pocket of doggy treats and bypass the frustration.

I wonder if God ever sees me as a Shitzu-mule. Perhaps he gets frustrated with my constant pulling ahead and looking back. Maybe my distractions and looking for something new to meet my needs cause him sadness. I imagine him walking beside me encouraging me to stay focused on the truth that his plan is better, his timing perfect, I don’t need to struggle. But just like Koda, I fight to do it my way. And life becomes increasingly more challenging as I pull and tug against his perfect will.

What about you? Are you distracted by the challenges you face? Do you have a little stubborn streak that causes you to try to do things your way, in your time, according to your plans?  

If you do, I’m glad to report, that we have a patient Father. He is willing to take the time we need to teach us to trust him as we move forward. He understands that we are frail humans with limited attention spans. So, he waits for us, encourages us, and despite our frailties, loves us unconditionally. 

I hope today you consider your walk with God. If any stubbornness or distractions are keeping you from consistently walking with him, I pray you are willing to surrender and allow God to guide and direct you. 

Be blessed his BeLOVED,