The Puppy Parable

I was going through pictures the other day and found this one of AJ and a dog we once owned. A dog that taught me a valuable lesson...

I am not an animal person. I think they're cute when they're little, but then they grow and they're not so cute and their bad habits are not so endearing. My husband knows this about me.

Last summer, shortly after Sigourney was born, I decided we needed a puppy. Something cute and fun to help the kids learn responsibility, yada, yada, yada. Steve said what he always does, "No way." I had four kids under the age of 5, two in diapers, I didn't need the added responsibility of a dog. Besides, I was looking at little dogs and Steve likes big dogs.

I thought he was being selfish because he wanted a 'man dog', so I kept pressing. I found a breeder and then I found the 'perfect' puppy. A cute miniature poodle at a ridiculous price. Steve reminded me that the answer was 'no,' that he was saying 'no' for my own good, and that I just needed to drop it.

I'm not very good at being submissive (more on this in a future post, I'm sure). I don't take 'no' very well. I became pouty and manipulative. I even got the kids in on the act. So he caved. He loves me. He wants me to be happy, so he said, "if you really want the puppy, get the puppy."

We got the puppy. I named him Rocco. He was cute. He was fun. It was summer, and he spent time outside with the kids. They loved him. Steve even grew to tolerate him in spite of his small stature.

Then the fall came. And the rain. And the puppy was bigger and not so cute, and his behavior had become not so tolerable. I had four kids at home, two in diapers. I didn't have time for a puppy. I'd had it. I told Steve I couldn't handle it. He was mad. Now we had a whole houseful of people attached to this puppy that I had needed so desperately and I wanted to get rid of him? Yep.

We got rid of the puppy. Found him a nice home on Craig's list. An older couple who wanted a lap dog. We even got half of our money back. Steve was gracious enough to deliver Rocco to his new home.

The kids got over losing their dog. Steve still hasn't. Unfortunately, this has happened before. Her name was Stella, she lasted six weeks. I think I've learned my lesson though.

So when I ran across this picture of AJ and Rocco, God reminded me about the lesson. And then I was convicted.

Steve had told me 'no.' He knows me too well. He knew what I didn't need. He knew I had all I could handle without the dog. He wasn't being mean. He was protecting me. But I bristled my back and plowed forward. And he let me do it because he loves me.

How often do I do this with God? I want something and even when He says no, I do it anyway, thinking I know what's best. I usually consult Him, but if I don't get the answer I want, I find a way to make it happen on my own. And because He loves me, He lets me. And when I make a mess of it and finally admit I've made a mistake, He graciously bails me out, even though He knew better all along. He knows what I can handle. He won't give me more than I can bear. And if I'd just listen in the first place, I'd save myself and those around me a whole lot of trouble.

I think I'll hang this picture on the refrigerator. Not to remember Rocco, but to remember Who knows what's best for me.