And when we obey Him, every path He guides us on is fragrant
with His lovingkindness and His truth.
Psalm 25:10 (TLB)
Most anyone who knows me knows Wesley. When I visit with friends they don't ask about our boys—they ask, "How's Wes?" If you and I visit regularly or just every so often, you, too, know who they're talking about: Wesley, our dog. I may have told you that he is a "pound" dog—the very best kind! We chose him when he was just six weeks old—a tiny pup mixed in with the other strays, trembling, isolated, distant, wary, and precious!
He had a severe case of tick fever at the beginning of our relationship. I thought he was just a very quiet puppy. No, he was a very sick puppy. Now that he is older and very healthy (except for arthritis in his right front arm), I never use that word quiet. He is obedient, loyal to a fault almost, very protective of his territory (which includes me), and dearly loves company—be it the family, a neighbor, a salesman, or the Sunday school class—he welcomes them with wild running, barking, jumping—you name it. Interpretation: "Welcome! Welcome to 26
Well, Wes and I walk "around our block" nearly every day—almost a mile. I carry a leash and a plastic bag with three paper towels tucked inside (for his daily duty). He'll do his business and then I play pick-up. I call him and he comes. I command him to sit and to stay while I do my thing. That is one tough assignment! To "sit"—to "stay"—to "wait"—watching me walk away from him—going some place without him! But, he waits (most of the time.)
Waiting is one of the most difficult commands God has given us—agree? To sit still. To stay. To want desperately to know where He's going and what He is going to do while I'm waiting. That is one tough assignment! I gave you some verses about "waiting" several months ago.[1] I guess my favorite is Psalm 27:14: Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. It's as though He has told us to "sit" and then to "stay"—to wait.
But that's not the end of the picture. Wes waits expectantly because he knows that when I'm through taking care of whatever I'm taking care of, I'll say, "Okay!" And he's hot on the trail again—we're walking together and I'm saying, "You're a good dog, Wes.
Good boy! I'm proud of you!"
A simple lesson, yet so very profound. I guess one of the main things is that Wes trusts me. He has been around the block with me enough to know the routine.
Lord, You and I have been "around the block" many times and You have never failed to encourage me, to let me sit and watch You work, and then to hear You quietly say, "Okay. I have finished My work here. I'm proud of you, Anabel." And I have learned to trust You, to "listen" for Your voice, and to obey Your commands. Thank You for Your constant watchcare over me, Your needy child, Anabel
