The Freedom of the Leash

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"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

John 10:27, ESV

Leash laws aside, I love seeing pups running free on hikes, with their tails wagging excitedly as they follow a fresh scent. They look so joyful as they bound along the trail and so loyal as they stop every so often to make sure their humans are still in sight.

Then, of course, there's Squirrel, who associates the sound of a leash unclipping with that of a starter's pistol. He proceeds to takes off at a sprint for the north country faster than you can sing the opening bars to "O Canada."

So yes, Squirrel stays on the leash when we hike. It would be a lot more fun for the both of us if he would just come when he's called. He sees recall as a loss of his freedom. What he doesn't understand, is that it's actually his lack of listening skills that limits him. If I could have confidence that he would come back when called, he would have far more autonomy. Obedience equals freedom.

Does God ever feel that way with me? If she would just listen - and listen the first time - there's so much more I could do with her. If I could trust her to trust me, we could be having a lot more fun here.

What I see as God "limiting my freedom," might in fact be the way that He opens up my world to more options. So what You're saying, God, is that as I'm running full force toward want I want, if I listen to you when you say "no," and then return to your feet, there is more in the long haul you can do me with? More You can trust me with? More places you could send me to be used for your kingdom?

If that is the case, then I submit wholeheartedly to the leash as a learning tool, until such a time as you can trust me to listen the first time You call out,

"Come!"