Two for One

Our family decided it was time to invest in a good companion dog. Tim has always wanted a Newfoundland. He won me over to their gentle, loving, maternal nature despite their size, loads of thick hair, and endless drool. For months I prayed and scoured all known breeders and dog rescue resources. At last we found “Mollie,” the perfect dog at the perfect price. We signed an agreement stating that she would be kept indoors and if for any reason at anytime we could no longer keep her, she would be returned to the breeder. Images of grandeur raced through my mind. I imagined the girls playing in the sprinklers, their giant black dog tagging along. I anticipated relaxing sessions of stroking her beautiful shiny coat. I thanked God for pairing us with our perfect pet. He had answered my prayer.

With time we became aware of how influential her past was on her present. Mollie was rescued by the breeder when she was two. Her owner abandoned her leaving her tied to a tree. She was dirty and malnourished. The breeder cleaned her up, gave her proper care and provision. She turned out to be a beautiful dog and passed all AKC certification. She produced 3 litters in three years before retirement. During that time she received excellent care, a customized diet, and medical treatment. She was able to run outside with the other “big dogs.”

Here is the two for one. One- God answers prayers..it may not always be the way we want Him to. Mollie was never lead on a leash or kept inside of a house. She really is a good natured dog. She is however a product of her upbringing. Two- We are also the ultimate result of our upbringing. We were born with a sinful nature. Some of us are “good natured” or “well mannered.” It may be that we were taught and trained in a positive way. Others were left abandoned with no real example to follow. I am always inspired by those who are willing to surrender what they have been influenced by and give following Christ a chance.

We have certainly had our challenges with Mollie. More than once we questioned whether keeping her is worth the sacrifice. How loving our God is to accept us with our flaws and stench of past mistakes. Just as the breeder took Mollie in and met her every need, God searches us and reveals the broken and missing pieces. He tenderly binds our heart wounds and shows us there can be a better way of living.

Mollie gets into a lot of trouble. She will sniff out the tiniest fragment of a candy wrapper in the trash and empty the can to sneak a lick. Her sheer size and clumsiness knocks things over and spills anything within her path. She steels stuffed animals from the girls and creates poly-fill blizzards. But, we love her. We promised to care for her and meet her needs until her death. We must provide the kind of training and instruction she needs to be tolerable and house broken.

I try to remember how patient God is with me when I make a mess of things. Even as Christians we can really tear some things up, spill out some bad emotions, dig up something we buried a long time ago, and sometimes knock down our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we will allow him, God will work on us and in us. He will give us the training and care we need to be “Kingdom ready.”

We recently enrolled Mollie in a dog obedience course. The first obstacles we must overcome are her past and insecurity. She must learn that she can trust us. With time we can trust her more as well. Mollie the Newfy, and we as Christians will grow as we surrender our past and trust the one who cares for us most.

-Lora Ratcliff