I have a three-month-old puppy. He is as cute as can be, but he is also a rascal, as Yorkies tend to be. Every minute, he has the potential to get himself into trouble.
He’s going through all the baby Yorkie experiences: teething, potty training, exploring and taking over his new territory, finding his voice, and declaring his desire to be in charge of his own activities. I might call that last one rebellion, but it’s a Yorkie trait—everything has to be their idea.
One night, the puppy was particularly feisty. He just wouldn’t settle. Hard enough to deal with when you’re not sleep-deprived, as I am. I was pleading with God to help me navigate all the puppy tantrums. Mainly, I was concerned he would get himself into trouble by rolling off the couch or chewing and choking on the clothes I was wearing.
When I lamented to a friend about my struggle, I said, “I’m trying to keep him from hurting himself. But he gets mad that I’m stopping him, and he attacks me.”
While encouraging me in my puppy parenting and sleep deprivation, she also noted the parallel between our interactions with God at times. How true! God tries to keep us from hurting ourselves, and we react with a tantrum. Or at least I do.
How often does God intervene to help me not get myself into trouble? And how often do I lash out in my frustration? Too many times to count.
My tantrums look a lot like the pup’s reactions to my interventions. Except the puppy, on the whole, is a lot less unruly than I can be. And he has an excuse—he’s just a puppy and doesn’t know any better.
My friend’s comment got my attention. Now, in addition to praying for God’s help in puppy parenting, I’m also praying for His help that I will listen better to Him and not go to frustration as my first reaction.
I’ve got a great visual reminder when I think of how the puppy reacts to my interventions. I appreciate that vivid lesson from God through my friend and my puppy’s tantrums. Just goes to show God will use everything to get us where He wants us to be.
What lessons has God been showing you lately through daily popups that get your attention?
Thank You, Lord, that You always know and want Your best for us. Forgive us when we react in frustration to Your helpful interventions. Help us hear from You through our everyday experiences. Continue to draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Adventures with God 