Freedom

One golden fall day, my mom and my dog, Joey went out to take a nice walk. Before I go any further to tell you about their walk,  I must first  tell you about my dog. Joey is a cute, energetic dog who is filled with much dog, and sometimes I think, with people personality. Though he is a great dog, unfortunately, just like people, he too has some faults. One of the greatest being that he chases chipmunks and squirrels.  Joey just hates to see them in our yard, or in anyone else's yard for that matter. And though he hates these menacing creatures and chases them with utmost furor, in his seven years of life, he has never succeeded in catching one.

Now back to the story. On this beautiful day Joey was on his leash, held by my mom when he saw... a squirrel! When he saw it, with anticipation in his eyes, he set himself to pull away from my mother who reminded Joey walk nicely. In response, his next expression seemed to say,

 " Why should I go and chase this squirrel? I know I'll get in trouble and it really doesn't matter. It's not even in my yard. I'm perfectly content and happy in "mom's care and nothing else compares to this happiness".

 So Joey continued to walk happily and obediently with my mom.

A few minutes later, while still enjoying his walk, Joey saw another hateful little creature! Once again, the same battle seemed to go on in his head. " I must go and get rid of that squirrel! I just must! " Then again, he was reminded of the safe, contented walk he was having with "mom". Why should he want to do or be anywhere else?  Why should he chase something he was never going to catch, cause himself disappointment, and ultimately be punished? With great dog wisdom he decided to continue walking obediently with "mom".  

What a lovely walk! And now he was home in his own yard. When they neared the yard my mom took him off of his leash. What doggie delight! Run, run ! Sniff, sniff! Jump, jump! Through the forest and in the holes! Simple and happy freedom was his reward in the safety of our yard.

There is an amazing lesson in this story that can apply to each of our lives. We, like Joey are walking through life with a loving Father as our guide, who reminds us to be obedient to Him so we may have eternal freedom from temptation and sin. As long we are obedient to Him, we will be rewarded with joy, freedom and safety.

reflections

Situated on a quiet lake, hedged by rolling pasture land and woods, is where I like to call home. 


Since my family and I recently moved to this area, I  take keen interest in what is around me. I've noticed that the lake looks different every day. Some days it looks clear and other days dark and murky. I began to think about what makes it look different. It dawned on me that the lake was just a reflection of the sky.

When the sky is cloudy and dull, so is the lake.

 And when the sky is clear and sunny, then the lake is clear and beautiful.

 This reminds me of a Scripture that  talks about reflecting Christ's character. It says:

But we all...beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image ...

If by looking at Jesus, we are changed to reflect His image, then isn't it the same with anything else? If I am constantly looking at things of the world that show greed, selfishness, sexual inappropriateness, impatience and unkindness , I will be changed to act in these ways. But if I want to be a reflection of Christ than I must keep myself focused on Christ, who is pure, caring, patient, unselfish and loving. 

Photo Courtesy of Sarah A.