Is Mattie a Country Dog or a City Dog?

Sunday in Gene's sermon, one of the illustrations he gave was... are we more like a city dog that has to be leased so it won't run off at any moment, obedient only because it has to be OR are we like the country dog who can run over acres and acres but tends to sit and wait on its master right by the front door?

First of all, if I knew there'd be dog analogies every week, I'd probably listen more intently. Next, I know this analogy is supposed to be about my own spiritual life, but , with that said, I want to talk about Mattie.

I was convinced that Mattie, though a terrier, was a country dog since she follows me everywhere. And actually, I believe she was until Gene said those words out loud. For the last two days she has tried to escape. This is the dog that I could leave the door open and she'd patiently wait by the door for me. Not now!

On Monday, I went over to McKenna's house and of course Mattie rode with me. When it was time to get back into the car, she followed McKenna's dog, Allie, (a true country dog) outside. Allie took off after some birds, Mattie took off after Allie who was after some birds. And with that taste of freedom, Mattie began to explore the woods by McKenna's house. I was the wacky master yelling, "Get back here and be a country dog!" She, with her nose to the ground, took off in a zig-zag direction. Finally, I caught her by her hind legs.

Then this morning after some errands, I opened the garage door. The door to the house was open inside. Ususally, that's where Mattie sits and waits for me, but not today. She darted out of the garage and I, once again had to yell and scurry and grab and yank to get her back.

So, why the sudden change, is she an oppressed city dog looking for an escape route? Is she entering menopause and doesn't care what I think? Does she has restless leg syndrome and is trying to "work her legs out"?

All this makes me wonder how I am with God. Do I wander in my quest? Does God speak to me and I keep going? Do I have my "nose down" and in my own interests?

All I know is that God speaks to us so we can hear and I seem to hear when I get my "doggie devotionals" from Him.

But, Gene, please let me know if you plan to use any analogies about dogs chasing garbage trucks. I'm afraid to find out what that devotional may bring.

Until next post,

Mama Chick