God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. Psalm 23:1-4 (The Message)
Cory is vocal, tough and big, but has met her match at least for now in Sai the German Shepherd in the Dachshund body. Cory works her way through a rug in the time it takes me to put a pot on the stove. She swallows a cardboard paint swatch like a menopausal woman with a chocolate bar. She took the edge off my BRAND NEW CABINETS when oldest son was sitting right beside her reading a book. But, she is helpless around Sai the herding dog. I guess she does look a lot like a little brown lamb right now. Her curly coat and floppy ears might be mistaken for a sheep if you didn’t see her long pointed tail. She is about the same size as Sai though when she puts her mind to it, she can pin him to the floor. But, he has the advantage of speed while she is still confined to a clumsy puppy waddle. When she tries to run, he grabs her by the ear and pulls her in the direction he wants her to go. He nips at her flank moving her from side to side, and when he needs to, comes from behind and butts her off her feet. He holds her nose in his mouth holding her still. She squeals like he is killing her, but I think the only thing that is dying is her pride. While she still does not understand the concept of retrieve, he is in his element weaving and bending as he maneuvers her around the yard. And the house. It does not matter where they are, he is constantly pestering poor Cory. Until big bad Doberman, the guard dog steps in. Lucy serves as referee, defending Cory when Sai is too aggressive and putting Cory in her place when she gets too uppity. It is interesting watching them find their place in the pack. And I wonder if places will change when Cory reaches adulthood and her full weight. The possibility of change makes me think of what I have always considered to be my place in this world. Secure in who I am professionally and in my avocations at church and at home. I know who I am and generally exude confidence. However, circumstances have given me pause lately. What if the roles I fill were to shift? What if I chose or was forced to choose a different path here in midlife? In midstream? Would I be so confident then? The answer as always is depends. Depends on Who makes the shift. Is it on my whim or am I following God’s lead? Is He in control or am I? This year, one of my prayers has been that God will open new doors and give me the courage to walk through them. Like Cory, I might be weak and wobbly at first. But, He will equip me to do what He calls me to do. Of that, I can be confident.
Indeed, when our nose is bitten or smothered to achieve redirection it is always difficult to discern the why of it.