Holy Harness

 

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. - Galatians 5:18

My pups love walks outside! They do not love, however, the required harness. Over time, they have learned that it's a necessary means to an end: harness means joy is moments away if they endure a quick snap and tug. It's all part of the journey. The door opens and the adventure begins all over again! I ask them, "where do you want go go?" and they choose their route. They have freedom of choice, but always tethered to the higher perspective of protection and love. From their limited perspective, they are not fond of the constraints, but trust the tether tugs. Once out, the hunt begins. They run towards a tempting scents, having no idea that the object of their desire is actually their demise. I pull the trash from their mouth and say "that's not for you."  They fight and bite to keep their trashy "treasures." I'll endure the pain to remove the poison. My perspective knows the danger they can't see. They have come to trust my guidance; realizing that it makes for a much more fun walk when they lean into my leading. 

We love to walk with Jesus. But often, secretly, we want the walk to be on our terms. We are are free to choose our paths and are naturally resistant to restraints. Freedom, is not lack of constraints; freedom is wisdom of choice. From our human perspective, we run to the temptations, not knowing the ash and trash that fills our mouths and minds. From our human perspective, the harness is always there. It's a comfort to have a protector, until it pulls us away from our tainted wants. We fight and bite the Guide who tugs us from our indulgences. The tether pulls us toward a greater freedom of LIFE: there is so much more to the path than this one small stop. From the Shepherd's perspective, the woven cords of love that pull us away from the "sweet" scents are protecting us from sudden death. The tug we come to know and trust, proves faithful to a deeper bonding with the Guide, our greatest love. 

Along the way, my pups often stop and look up to me. They just want to see that we we are together in this moment of their bliss. The walk is about being together on this adventure of life. As much as possible. Trust the Guide to lead in love, and find the fullness of JOY. And when the walk is done; we will always, always run to Home.