Lessons from a black Lab
Black, brown or white — I don’t have a natural affinity towards dogs. That doesn’t mean I give them a scowl or pelt stones when they are 10 feet away. No. I’m fine with merely coexisting with dogs in the same dimension emotionless, with the exception of an occasional “Awwww” at tiny pups.
That being said, I do admit to a hint of hidden fear that surfaces when I’m invited by a “Beware of dogs” sign slung precariously over sturdy gates. On one fateful day, I entered such a gate guarding one of my aunt’s home, gingerly.
I had just made it to the threshold of her living room when a silky-haired, jet black Labrador gave a loud bark , paused, looked me right at the eye and hurled a series of deafening woofs amplified by the walls of the room.
I froze in the doorway. The image of a human statue clad in orange chudidhar would be what one would see in an album if the moment was captured. My aunt, busy with getting delicious treats ready for me, rushed out of the kitchen.
“Shadow! Sit !” she said with a stern face.
At once, the mighty mammal whined, couched calmly at my aunt’s feet and was rewarded by my aunt’s loving caresses. Utterly relieved, I collapsed comfortably on the nearby sofa.
The dog’s implicit obedience blew my mind. Reminded me of the Biblical incident, where the roaring waves relaxed at Jesus’s command. The disciples, whom I can totally relate to, fretted and feared, not realizing that the One who owns and created the very waters was nearer than ever to them.
Who better to fix the raging seas other than the one who knows it’s tidal mechanisms inside out?
Situations in life may seem frantic only until we humbly turn it over to the Creator God. Knowing He owns not only us, but even the people and entire scheme of events in all our circumstances give us the assurance that the God who could transform turbulent waters could also still His people’s hearts.
Now I should remember that the next time I meet a dog :)
