I don’t write about him often, but last summer I adopted a stray, senior mini dachshund. The little guy lights up my life.
Unfortunately, dachshunds are extremely susceptible to back injuries, and Watson is not an exception. A couple of weeks ago the inevitable took place and the days since have been filled with crate rest, pain killers, and a little dog frustrated at not being able to run around like he wants.
And, because I think God delights in teaching me lessons through animals (over and over and over again), He’s taught me through this.
I’ve caught myself telling Watson, “It’s for your own good,” over and over and over again. It’s for your own good. It’s for YOUR own GOOD.
He hates the crate rest, but it’ll help him heal.
He hates being carried around and kept from running, but it’ll also help him heal.
He hates being on a diet, but it’ll help him lose more weight so his back isn’t under as much stress.
And, I feel like the way Watson reacts to my care for him is exactly how I react to God’s care for me.
I kick and scream about the discipline and the stretching and the growth, and God just reminds me He’s working for my good. I can look back over my shoulder and see the good, but the good certainly doesn’t FEEL that way in the moment.
Hebrews 12 speaks to this:
“‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? …For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (vs. 5-7, 11)”
Everything I do is for Watson’s good. I never do anything to purposefully make him sad or to harm him. If I, a mere human being caring for a little animal, can so carefully work for his good, how much more our heavenly Father, the Creator of all things? He works on our behalf, even when it doesn’t feel like good.
KELVEY OLIVIA VANDER HART 