I got out of bed early this morning (okay, early for me) with some coercion from the dogs who had already awakened everyone in the house three times. Now they had a desperate need to go outside.
Understanding the urgency of the moment I lumbered to the door and walked out on the porch with them. All of a sudden the atmosphere changed. Both dog’s bodies stiffened, tails not moving, their sights fixed on something near the back of the yard. As my eyes finally adjusted I saw the figure of a rabbit back by the burn pile.
All it took was for me to say “what is that?” and before I finished they were already halfway across the yard…. TIME OUT – okay bunny lovers do not write to me about how mean I was for encouraging the dogs to chase the poor little bunny… they never had a chance!
The rabbit sat there watching them come, yawned politely, took one lap around the burn pile, and shot down the path at the edge of the woods. In a burst of extra bunny power he then darted into the underbrush and was gone. (I am sure safe and sound back at the Hare Hotel).
The point, however, is the dogs had caught the scent of the furry friend and would not be distracted. I yelled for them a few times, whistled, and clapped (usually they respond… somewhat), but they did not even hesitate to ignore my commands. Noses to the ground, tails stiff in the air, they were focused, hot on the trail.
Back and forth, and around they went doing what they have been created to do (contrary to the opinion that they were created for me to wait on. You know feed me, walk me, scratch me, let me out, let me in….. ummm that reminds me… my wife and I have something to talk about. But I digress… back to the trail!).
The thought came to me about doing what we are created to do….
Q. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.(From Westminster Shorter Catechism)
Throughout the scriptures we are given reminders and encouragement:
Psalm 105 “Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,”
Let’s catch a fresh glimpse and scent of the Lord today… eyes focused, bodies ready, noses to the ground… Be relentless in your pursuit of Him!
