Where HE leads, Will You Follow?

Psalm 23
The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside still waters.  He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  Thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.


Dog and Boy

My son Josh is not so much a boy these days.  He's growing up into a fine young man.  He takes responsibility without being asked or told.  He thinks critically about things going on around him. He's witty, smart and polite.

He adopted a dog about three years ago.  She had been a street pup that was rescued by a man in Statesboro.  She lived with him until he died.  Then she was put in the foster pet program in Statesboro with a couple that adored dogs.  

Dixie is a hound, retriever, lab mutt.  When she's sleeping, we all agree she resembles a little deer.  She's tan with brown eyes.  

The first few weeks, there was some adjusting as is typical of any family situation.  However, Josh patiently worked with Dixie until she was assimilated into the family.  

Dog lovers will totally get this.  Dixie adores Josh.  She whines when he leaves, doesn't like to be in her crate separated for too long from him, loves to be with him doing whatever.  They play a lot of games together including hide and seek.  Josh has taught her a lot of things.

Every now and then Dixie will go on a 'freedom run'.  She'll take off, letting her nose lead the way!  But, she always comes back.  Why?  Because she adores her master and she knows that he understands her flaws and she knows she has a master and a family that loves her.

Dixie never wonders if Josh will feed her or take her out (when she needs to 'go').  It doesn't matter to her whether she sleeps on the floor or on a cushion.  It doesn't matter to her whether they are out in the cold together or snuggled up inside; she wants to be with him.  Dixie hates taking baths, but she never snaps at Josh; she allows him to scrub the worlds dirt off of her.  Dixie loves to chase our cat, but will stop at Josh's command.  Though she would love to chase the cat, she is happy with what Josh gives her instead.  

Dixie is content.  Are you?