Taking the Lead

We are the proud owners of two puppies. Ella and Buddy, cutest things ever! The only problem is that we live in an apartment so taking them outside to just run or even to go potty is a chore. Lately, I have been taking them to the dog park around the corner. While talking to a friend about the situation she told me how she puts her dog on a lead in her backyard. I could not put my finger on why, but I was uncomfortable with the "lead" idea. Putting your dog on a lead is a good idea. It keeps them in a safe enviornment. Prevents them from running away or getting lost. And you can keep an eye on them without actually having to be constantly by their side. As I thought back to the dog park. I could see my Ella and buddy running with free abandonment. (This of course is my favorite part of taking them to the park, I laugh so hard!) Free without any hinderances. Which reminds me of the Scripture referred to in church on Sunday. Hebrews 12:1

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with the perseverance the race marked out for us."

It is here that I realize why I am uncomfortable with the lead idea. While there is a fence at the dog park it is in the distance, not even thought about until it is run into during a game of chase. It is an afterthought. While on the other hand, a lead is constantly there, an ever reminder of your boundary.

I feel like the Lord or maybe just life itself has put me on a lead. I want to run with free abandonment in the direction of my goals and my dreams, but because of this "lead" I am always stopped short of where I truly long to go. I do not know how long I will be on this lead, but there is safety in being on a lead so I will endure it. I will try to be patient with it. In hopes that one day I will be taken off of it so I can run with free abandonment. I guess, I will for now, be content to let Ella and Buddy do all the running with free abandonment for me, for now.

the TRUTH in LOVE, Heidi Shepherd