Meet Max. 
He’s a cool dog and everyone loves him. I appreciate that about him, he builds bridges where I probably could not. He makes everyone more comfortable when he’s around. He will bring you a tennis ball and play fetch or he will just sit next to you and take a nap. He’s just a great guy.
Max loves to be with his people. And since I work from home and all of his other people have to leave for work or school, he seems to have bonded with me the most. And that feels great. If I am doing laundry, he curls up next to me. I put a bean bag near my desk because he would just lay there on the floor and, well, that seemed uncomfortable. When I shower, he lays on the little carpet in the bathroom. He doesn’t go to bed until I do, no matter what, every night. He’s my bud.
He’s not a pure breed. He’s a rescue mutt. I have some idea of the breeds that may be in there, but I mostly call him ‘spare parts.’ And it’s a term of affection, because I happen to think his spare parts have come together perfectly and each one gives him a uniqueness I wouldn’t trade for any other dog.
He get’s pretty sad when I say ‘stay’ and leave without him, so he was easy to train into the car. I take him with me when I can. Mostly on short trips, as long as it’s not too hot or too cold for him in the car waiting. The nature of my life right now is pretty full of short trips, school, mom taxi, grocery store.
So quite frequently I whistle for him and say ‘Max, get in the car!”
This guy comes running, not walking, no hesitation, and jumps joyfully into the car. He hops up into the passenger seat and sits down. He looks over at me as if to say “Let’s do this.” He has absolutely no idea where we are going, but he loves to be with me, so he doesn’t care. He just doesn’t care. Never does he seem impatient to get there, or frustrated with the length of the drive. On the contrary, he actually loves the drive. Never does he criticize my chosen route. Never once has he objected to my speed or braking technique. Although once or twice a short stop has hurled him into the small compartment under the glovebox (sorry Max) he calmly gets back up on the passenger seat and behaves like it never happened. No trust issues, no ‘Pull this car over, you stink at driving, I am getting out.’ Even though there have been times I have taken him to places he doesn’t like (the vet), he trusts me and simply, consistently wants to go wherever I would take him.
God, would you help me have the faith of my dog?
Help me follow wherever you go. Enthusiastically. Help me run, not walk to get on board with your plan. Help me stop worrying about where we are going or how we are getting there or how long it might take. Help me just enjoy this ride with you. When you have to stop short or change directions suddenly, help me to know I can trust you always and not give it a second thought. Help me stop getting out of the car, thinking I could do it better. Help me know that even when you take me to places I don’t like, you have my best interests in mind. Please Lord, most of all, don’t let me drive on my own.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Holly Lazzaro is part of a weekly radio program and podcast called “Study With Friends,” a unique format of 4-5 different women each week, gathering around the Bible to study God’s Word. With organic conversation and authentic personalities, it’s a fresh offering on the Christian airwaves. For more information or to listen to the program, visit our bible study page.
That’s a perfect analogy!
Not because God has questionable driving skills, but because our tumbles are a part of Him completing His good work in us whether it feels like it or not. I only hope to get back up as unruffled as Max did, knowing he was in loving and faithful hands.
Love. Thank you for filling my heart with this gentle reminder of how we are to be with our Lord Jesus.
Thanks Holly- great insight and encouragement!
I have learned that a dog like faith all starts with trust. Like my dog and I when we first meet there was a dance of control. He would try to control the home as I would try to control his behavior. After sometime of growning with each other the roles where made clean. The trust grew with in the relationship and as he is such a big dog who can over power me he doesnt. I can see that in the same way as our walk with the Lord. At first glance there might be of “I’m in control mentality”, but quickly shown that is not the case. Handing over full and complete trust and having complete faith in God can be a scaring thing. When time are tough in our own lives bringing it to the cross when our flesh wants to be on control is such a powerful thing. It can be a dozen times in an hour when our flesh wants control. Knowing,trusting and walking with the Lord is a true dog like faith.
As he tells us in Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green [1] pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest [2] my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Great points, Ally. Thanks for the insight and for your heart for the Lord.
Amen! Love you Max!
This is so true. I am so uncomfortable when my plan gets changed, or paused. It’s often difficult for me to be still and just know that God is putting the pieces together until it’s just right for me.
Amy, it’s so hard to let go and follow God’s plan especially when it’s uncomfortable. The funniest part of this blog was the imagery of Max falling into the space under the glovebox. But that’s how I feel, like I have tumbled off the seat, no longer able to see out the window or have control over anything. That’s when I have to trust the most. God’s a better driver than I am, so the analogy is imperfect but still…