“Just stop, you annoying mutt!” I scream inside my head. It’s 5:45 AM and Eliza, my daughter’s golden retriever, will not give up. She wants in the house. She’s on the back deck, scratching, whimpering, clawing, and she won’t stop, not for a second. If she could just relax and quit tearing at the door, she might realize that it’s a beautiful morning outside, there’s fresh air to breathe, and she has a whole yard of green grass to play in. Inside the house, there’s nothing exciting for her at all. When I finally go get her for her morning walk, I notice rubber siding from the door all over the deck. She has really made a mess of things.
“Why couldn’t you just accept your situation?” I ask her. And then one of my favorite quotes comes to mind, something I learned from Elisabeth Elliott. “With acceptance comes peace.”
Suddenly I realize how much I am struggling with this in my own life, and I realize that I am no different than Eliza.
How often am relentlessly consumed with getting my own way? How often am I so busy trying to control things that I end up making a mess of things? How often do I argue with God about situations I don’t like rather than stopping to relax and accept the blessings He’s given me? In the brilliant words of Rich Mullins, “I’d rather fight Him for something I don’t really want than to take what He gives and I need.”
Sometimes there are people in our lives who we cannot change, situations that we can’t control, and things that happen that we do not like. When we can find acceptance, even of things that are hard, our hearts can start to find rest.
Jesus is the ultimate of example of this. Facing his crucifixion, He humbled Himself and accepted His Father’s plan. “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) And because of His acceptance and surrender, we are able to have eternal life.
God, grant me a heart of acceptance to Your divine plan. Help me realize that You know what is best and to find peace in that.
Great story with a great message! Keep being awesome!
Thank you, Ryan. I always appreciate your support.
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This came in such a timely manner. Thanks for the reminder!
I’m glad, Kimberly 🙂
Mmm…hits home in so many ways, right now. I needed this. And doggonit if the dogs don’t show us so many life lessons. Thanks, Kris 🙂
Haha, you’re welcome! 🙂
I find myself like this dog, at times. Thank you for my reminder!
Thanks you, Cindy!
Kris,
Thank for this reminder about wishing some people would act differently. I am trusting God that he will reveal in his time it will look different.
Loved reading your book by the way, and just lent it to a friend.
Thank you, Tanya. Yes, sometimes all we can do is trust. I’m glad you read my book and thank you for sharing it!!