Dog Days and His WaysSample

Wait

Waiting is hard isn’t it? When we were young, it seemed like eternity to wait for simple things like opening Christmas presents or having dessert. Yet, as we age, we find ourselves waiting for harder things – like a promotion, a person or perhaps a diagnosis.

I can see myself in our dogs as they anxiously wait…not quite still, a bit restless, and certainly desiring to move. But…waiting is good for us and our dogs. Waiting teaches good manners when we and our pups are young and patience and perseverance when we are older.

As my husband and I walk our dogs, we often put them in a wait stance to let others by on foot or bicycles. We wait at crosswalks and in crowds. I always appreciate when someone comments on our dogs’ waiting postures. It sure took a lot of time to train this but it’s so worth it. The rewards have been worth the pauses. Seeing their settled spirits on a busy walking path always is fulfilling.

Countless people waited in the Bible. Noah waited for the floodwaters to dissipate for 40 days and nights in an ark full of the first dogs and every species of animals you can think of. Hannah waited longingly for a child. Joseph waited in jail for over two years to be cleared from a wrongful conviction. The wise men, shepherds, and much of the world waited for a Savior.

When Jesus walked with his followers, many learned to wait as they watched Him wait. Lazarus was dead for four days. Mary and Martha begged for his help, yet it took a while for Jesus to arrive. Many who were ill waited to be healed. One woman waited for 12 years to constant bleeding to stop.

I’m learning to “wonder” while I wait. I wonder what is God up to in situations and do my best to trust in Him as I do. I’m also trying my best to worship as I wait. I once heard “worry and worship can’t co-exist.” I have found that to be true. When I worry I’ve found that listening to worship music helps me settle. If I don’t, I wallow in my worry and can spiral downward emotionally.

We praise our pups for waiting and our Heavenly Father praises our obedience as we wait. He promises us this in Isaiah, which shares “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.”We are reminded in the Psalms to “wait for the Lord, to be strong and let our hearts take courage.”

Father, as I work on waiting with my dogs, and in my life, help me to be strong, to let my heart take courage and to wait on You for Your answers and Your guidance.