What God Taught Me
Dear friends and family of HBC,
This summer we spent some time looking at the book of nature. We learned we can hear God “speaking” to us through His created world if we will take the time to stop, look around and listen. If God uses all of nature to teach us lessons about Himself, about ourselves and about how to live our lives what do you think God might teach us through a puppy?
As most of you know by now, Karen and I recently adopted “Lincoln”, an English Springer Spaniel puppy. I have been trying to “take my own medicine” and discern what lessons God might be trying to teach me through one of His creatures.
I have discovered Lincoln is teaching me much more about myselfthan He is teaching me about God. Here are some of the lessons I have learned… so far.
- Puppies need patience and so do we.
Lincoln doesn’t mean to ignore me or do things I don’t want Him to do. It’s just in his nature. It will take time, patience, discipline and constant communication for us to come to an understanding as to how this relationship will work. I think sometimes we behave the same with our Lord. Our natural tendency is to do our own thing. I suspect God must continually have patience with us too. He must correct us when we’re wrong and stay in communication with us so we learn how this relationship works. Thankfully, he will. Our Lord is extremely patient with all of us.
- Grab the quiet moments.
Let’s face it, life is busy. Each of us has something that occupies our time and there may be moments we might ask “Can’t I just have a moment in peace and quiet to myself?” Owning a puppy has definitely cut into my own private time but I do have moments throughout the day to myself. We should learn to grab these quiet moments. We should take a few moments to pause and take a deep breath to collect our thoughts and re-center our soul. Last night I stepped outside alone to look at a beautiful full moon and it was the best moment of my day.
- My way is the best way.
Poor Lincoln… his world is extremely limited right now. He does not have access to the entire house, he is only allowed to run in the back yard and when we go for walks he must always be on a leash. Am I an awful dog owner? No, I am a responsible dog owner. These restrictions are put in place for his benefit because he doesn’t know what I know. He doesn’t know electric cords are not toys, roads are deadly, and a leash keeps him safe by my side. This has been a reminder to me that sometimes God says “No” to us not because He is being unfair, cruel or mean. Rather, God knows things we don’t know and places certain restrictions in our paths to protect us and keep us safe. His way is the best way. In time, as we grow and learn we are given more freedom.
I am sure there are more lessons to learn and you will probably hear about them from time to time.
As we head into fall, I wonder what God may be trying to teach us through the geese flying overhead, the crisp air and the colors on the trees? So, get outside and read the book of nature. And then come to church and meet with the One who wrote it all.
Peace and Grace, Dan
Categories: Pastors Message