Runaways

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Psalm 18:10 (NIV)

Our dogs have taken to digging under the fence to get out. At first it was just the fence between the house and the pasture. They wanted access to that nice tasty manure piled up out there. We blocked up the holes with concrete blocks and finally, installed electric fence to try and keep them out. Then, they started digging under the gate. We didn’t worry about them when they were still confined to our property, but then, they started eying the Jack Russell circus next door. Our neighbors run a Jack Russell rescue and have over twenty of them. Every night a 5:00, the Jack Russells come out to play and it looks like a circus act as the white balls of fluff frolic and chase each other. They even climb up into the trees. The problem with our dogs mixing with theirs comes from the Jack Russell’s pack mentality. Even though our dogs are much bigger, they are no match for twenty of the feisty little beasts. So, another fence line had to be electrified. Now, they are working on the front fence line. Escape from its boundaries gives them freedom to roam the entire island. In the last two weeks, I got five calls to go home and round them up. That doesn’t count the number of times our neighbor has taken them home. I cannot figure out why they would ever want to leave their safe yard where they have plenty of moles to dig up, squirrels to stalk and acres to run and play. We even leave the garage door open so they can get out of the weather. They only have to stay out there and look menacing for the nine hours or so that we are at work each day. Then, they come inside, get a bowl full of food, lots of ear scratching and petting and a comfortable place to sleep. So, why do they run? I have some theories. Boredom-once you catch one mole or squirrel the chase loosing its excitement and its time to move on to something else. Loneliness-they really like their people. If people are not around, why not go in search of some? Temptation-the garbage cans across the street smell so inviting. Competition-Those know it all Jack Russells, we’ll show them who is boss. Or there could be an entirely different idea rattling about in those Doberman skulls. Whatever it is, they need to learn to stay home because there are speeding cars, fierce dogs, and the animal control officer just waiting for them to make one wrong move beyond the fence. I am so much like my dogs. I have everything I need, but continually think that someone or something is the key to my happiness. God sets boundaries for me for a reason, but I push and chafe against them. He knows where I am safest. If I could just learn to stay where He places me and enjoy the blessings He gives me there.