On a beautiful Saturday recently, my daughter and I broke a rule or statute, I’m not sure which. I don’t think it was the law we broke, and I doubt there would have been a stiff penalty had we been caught. True confessions time – we took our dog, Winston to the dog park. Why is that a problem? Because Winston was banned from the local dog park a few years ago.
He’s a very friendly, yet stupid dog who has no spatial awareness and is completely unconcerned with the personal bubble of others – dog or human. The last time we took him there, a Weimaraner pup intrigued him. They chased each other around for a while until suddenly, the dog was gone. To the shock of the other owner, Winston had decided to use him as a chaise lounge. We ran toward him, screaming for him to get off. But he just cocked his head contentedly, unconcerned with us while seated on his comfy new chair.
The other owner just happened to be in charge of the dog park. Her dog was fine after we got our oaf off of him. But Winston’s picture went up on the dog equivalent of the post office wall as a canine non grata.
But on this day, with no other dog in the over 35 lb yard, we decided to let him in. He sniffed around, ran some, and paraded along the fence separating him from the little dogs. I guess he decided it wasn’t worth being where he wasn’t welcome because he peed on the bench then sat by the gate, ready to leave.
There are places I’ve let my feet wander in the past that I shouldn’t go back to. We are all tempted by something. Whether you are a believer or not, there are actions that are wrong and would cause injury to your health, family, or freedom if you undertook them. I know what tempts me. Fortunately, I have a little more self-control than I did as a young man.
I heard a pastor once say that our greatest weakness can be our curiosity. We know the line we won’t cross, and have a resolute desire to stay away. Yet too often, we draw the line and inch our toes as close as they can possibly be to it, lean in to see what is going on over there, and then act surprised when we fall into the same old sin and self-destructive behavior.
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What tempts you? What lines have you drawn and where are your feet? These are not questions to answer in the comments section, just something for you and I to think about as we navigate life’s dog park.
Good for Winston, he just peed on it and walked away. I pray I can treat my temptations with the same indifference.
A Generous Helping 
That was really a fun story to read because we can smile and be reminded on our duty to Christ at the same time. There are places I no longer visit but I have to admit, I didn’t think to wee on the bush to mark it off-limits. I’ll ponder that thought and get back to you.
Just make sure they aren’t electrified. That’s a strong takeaway from my post. I’m glad you get me. 😀
Grew up on a farm with an elec fence for the stock. Excellent play on words mayor. 🙂
Fun story and true Mark. I’ve written a dog story or two. I was contemplating another yesterday. They’re fun. Thanks!!!
Thanks Levi. I think there are plenty of similarities between our relationship with dogs and God’s relationship with us. If you haven’t read, Lessons From a Sheepdog, it’s worth a look.
I’ll take a look.
I absolutely loved this! I’m a fan of pooches (all sizes) and a rule follower to a fault. Even I have been lured into a forbidden space or two. Thank you for the positive message!
Glad you enjoyed it. Found your blog this morning and had some good reads! Thanks
this sounds exactly like a typical recess with my kindergarten on the playground. we keep going back each day, in hopes some lessons will be learned and bad choices not repeated )
Wouldn’t it be great if we learned all of those lessons in the playground and didn’t have to keep regretting choices mde?
LOL, life lessons from a dog, “he just peed on it and walked away.” Hilarious. :-p But yes, boundaries are there to protect us, not to push. Good thoughts. 🙂
You can learn a lot from a dog. Thanks, glad you enjoyed,
That’s hilarious. Winston knew where he wasn’t wanted. I love the picture that peeing and sitting by the gate paints in my mind. And HERE HERE to peeing on our temptations. Gotta be like Joseph when Potipher’s wife was hitting on him – Run away! He knew he wasn’t strong enough to stand up to it.
Thanks Mark
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Oh! Staci, that is an excellent pull. Joseph fled and left his clothes. Great example AND it made it easier for him to pee.
Literally laughing out loud at that comment. “easier to pee”. Classic Mark.
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And still laughing.
Always leave ’em laughing…