Was going through some old pictures this past weekend and I came across some of my dog Denali. 🙂 I wish you could have met her! She was the first dog my wife and I had together as newlyweds and she was a fixture in my children’s lives when they were little. Sadly, Denali passed away a few years ago, but her legacy still lives on in the oddest of places…the pictures I found reminded me of that.
During the latter part of her life, Denali unfortunately had to live with the unsavory parts of being an old dog, including bad hips, incontinence and benign tumors that invaded her body. But even through that, she had such a friendly demeanor and was known for having to be with me wherever I was in the house. She would follow me from room to room and wherever I would sit down, she would lay down somewhere near my feet. When I stood up to go somewhere else, she would get her aged, pain-stricken body up on shaky legs, bad hips and all, and lumber to my next destination only to lay down again at my feet again with a soft thud.
But why would she do that? I could see how badly it hurt her to get up time after time…I even told her to “stay” from time to time, but she wouldn’t listen. Pure loyalty. I’m convinced her desire to be with me was stronger than whatever afflictions she endured. Pretty cool, but those memories still make me sad…
During my quiet time this morning, God reminded me of her legacy and asked about my willingness to follow Him the way Denali used to follow me. (Do what??) In other words, is my desire to be with Him strong enough that I am willing to get up even through all of life’s “aches and pains.” Will I follow Him wherever He goes, however often /wherever He chooses to move? That was a sobering question to me as I know there are times when I’m too wrapped up in the pity party my “aches and pains of life” seem to demand or because I may not like where I think He’s leading me. Sometimes, I’d rather just lay there and watch Him go by. 🙁
Denali’s willingness to follow me at whatever cost is something I will never forget. I loved that dog so much! But I can’t help wonder what all I’ve missed building/experiencing in my relationship with God because I was too lethargic or stubborn to follow Him.
Be challenged and encouraged today, friends, knowing that if you’re not following the leadership of God, He does turn around and come back for you when you call out to Him. Ask Him to meet you right where you are and then you two get going!
Landon <><
