Ziti

I never would have believed just twelve years ago how great a dog could be.  Everyone had clearly said so.  I just didn’t believe that could be true for me.

I did have one bad experience with a dog out of control.  But, I had one persuasive son that challenged this guilt-ridden mom who honestly believed every boy needed one of his own.  So, with reluctancy and hesitancy I agreed to pacify a request to at least go look at dogs at an animal shelter.

I was clever enough to evade that taunting adoption at our initial visit.  Then, I shrewdly escaped a purchase at our second one, too. The third time around with his two sisters on board, I got tired and depleted and finally conceded.  I got a dog.

Oh boy, was I scared.

It’s hard to imagine now all that was required of me to just hold a dog. What I wouldn’t give to find that first picture of me in a raincoat, wearing dish gloves, holding two towels and rain boots on my feet.  This was my full protective gear to pick up six-week-old Ziti.

I felt threatened.

So, it took a trainer; it took practicing visualization of desired behaviors; and it took way more time than you’d imagine for me to learn all barks don’t bite and boundless energy wasn’t an attack on my life.   My defensive barriers slowly began to come off and a relationship started to begin.

If Ziti could have spoken right away or utter her playful intent it clearly would have been easier.  Non-verbal is just hard.  She could be a rascal and meant no harm, but I learned quickly.  There was no other way. Like it or not, it was me she had to obey.

There was a time when God warned Jeremiah, a prophet, to tell people they were stubborn, foolish, and didn’t even know Him.  Basically saying we have eyes but don’t see and ears that don’t hear.  Non-verbal is hard. The Lord says, “We are clever enough at doing wrong, but have no idea how to do right!”

But, Jesus says, “My sheep recognize my voice; I know them and they follow me.”

She didn’t like it, but training took time and was necessary for her to listen and learn my voice.

Likewise,

the Lord has a voice

and something to say.

We too,

are called to obey.

Believe it or not,

there’s no better way.

John 10:27

Jeremiah 4:22; 5:21

James 1:22