Wednesday, August 16, 2006

lessons from a beagle

we had a beagle for a short while. her name was sophie, and tho she was the cutest little tyke you've ever seen, she had a rebellious and disobedient streak that manifested itself over and over again.

when she had done something naughty, she wouldn't take her punishment, but would rather run and hide behind the couch or under the bed. at first we chased after her and tried to nab her, so that she would take her punishment, then we decided to wait her out. neither was satisfactory as she wasn't truly repentent and would do the same naughty deed only minutes later.

what i noticed was that when sophie was hiding from us so as to avoid any consequences for her actions, there was no relationship between us. there was no cuddling or walks outside, no playing fetch or wrestling. tho i was ready to forgive at any moment she was not ready to be forgiven.

i wonder how often i behave that way with God. am i so afraid of the punishment or consequences of my sin that i avoid Him and thus, cut off our relationship? how much better to quickly get it out of the way, repent and return to fellowship with the Lord. He's ready to forgive, am i ready to admit i need forgiveness and humble myself before Him?

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