ON THE PORCH
DROP THE POO!
Our pup Wicket loves to collect “treasure,” especially from the walks down our dirt road. Coyotes come through there and leave appetizing presents. A couple months ago, she somehow made it into the house unnoticed with a piece of poo. She buried it behind our couch pillows, her favorite hiding spot. That evening when we came in and sat down to relax, she retrieved it and got in Benny’s lap to enjoy her treat. She wanted to share…and he wanted NOTHING to do with her offering. Needless to say, we then went had a “treasure hunt” of our own to make sure she didn’t have more hidden poo.
A few evenings ago, Sierra and I were outside visiting and enjoying the weather as I pulled weeds. While we sat and chatted Wicket went exploring. She came sneaking up from the direction of the driveway with something in her mouth and wanted to go inside. The dog bowl is on the side of the house, so we knew it wasn’t dog food. Sierra has had to do the Heimlich on her in the past because she tried to eat a rock, so I asked Sierra to stop her and see what was in her mouth. She learned from Benny’s surprise and when I looked up, Sierra had Wicket upside-down demanding her to “drop it.” I laughed and asked if I could snap a picture. Wicket did not appreciate Sierra trying to make her let go of her prized possession.
We take good care of this helpless little pup, and she is spoiled rotten. Our top priority is her safety. The same coyotes that leave such appealing gifts for Wicket would be the end of her if she ever met them in person. They would not think twice about doing her harm, not good. Our family is quite the opposite. Because we love her, we tend to her needs and she lacks nothing. We don’t want her getting sick from the “appetizers” she collects. She totally depends on us for food, potty breaks, water, feeling loved, doggie treats, shelter and safety.
Don’t I depend on God for the same things? In my small little human mind, just like Wicket, how many times do I turn to other things seeking fulfillment? God takes excellent care of me. He always provides for my needs, and I’ve never been in want. He goes above and beyond to work things out in my life in ways that I cannot even begin to fathom. In fact, many times, God goes before me without me even being aware.
Even though He provides so completely and generously, I still “gather” things I think will make me happy. Here are a few things I tend to collect, hoping they will satisfy: new hobbies, new gadgets, items that I am promised I “can’t live without” on commercials, web surfing so I can park my brain in neutral, TV, food, and more jobs so I can feel like I’ve truly done something. None of these are bad in and of themselves, but when I use them as a substitute for my relationship with my Creator, they harm me.
**All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. Isaiah 64:6
Sometimes I sneak these substitutions in and hide them, and sometimes I offer them to God openly and with enthusiasm. Thankfully, because He knows all, He is never as horrified and as shocked as Benny was when Wicket curled up in his lap chewing on poo.
Just as Wicket’s depends on us one hundred percent and lacks nothing, I am totally reliant on God, and I lack nothing. He does not need me to “gather and store.” He already provides. It does not benefit our relationship when I am constantly on the lookout for something to save for later. .
Benny and Wicket had a long talk after that incident, but we are still suspicious of anything she tries to sneak in! She gets plenty of puppy treats that are designed for her pleasure but continues to search for poo. I hate to think that I do that to God, but I know in my heart I do. I bypass the good things He offers looking for cheap, nasty substitutes.
LORD, thank You for going before me, beside me, and behind me in all things and providing everything I need. Thank You for taking care of me 100% of the time, and never complaining about it. When Wicket leaves evidence of being sick because she eats something she shouldn’t, I am not as gracious as you are. I have limited patience and get irritated because she should know better. But even then, we still love her and want the best for her, just as You want Your best for us. Instead of looking for earthly substitutes to fill my time and the desires of my heart, help me crave more of You and less of this what this world has to offer. Secular ads are shoved in my face daily and things seem so appealing sometimes, but in the long run sometimes they make my heart sick. Give me the desire for Your treats that do not stink up my heart and mind and make a mess. I want to search for Your treasures , LORD. Give my heart a longing for what benefits me as an individual and furthers Your kingdom. And, LORD, thank You for this little three-pound bundle of fur that has captured our hearts and brought our family such joy. May I continue to learn lessons through her! Amen
** Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8
P.S. Sierra asked me to add this disclaimer:
“No puppies were harmed in the making of this devo.” 🤣🤣
ON THE PORCH 