Another blog post inspired by Miss Sassy Pants Maisy. Just goes to prove that I’m learning more from her than she is from me. Sigh…
For anyone who has talked with me over the past few weeks, you’re likely aware that I have been pushed to my limits with Maisy’s off-the-charts behavior. I have owned dogs my entire life and even worked at a dog kennel for twelve years after I retired from corporate life.
So, I have a bit of history with dogs. None of that helped recently as I was doing virtually everything I could think of to bring some discipline into this major alpha dog’s world. In fact, she was getting worse. Non-stop crazy, back to having accidents in the house, relentless pursuit of her canine and feline siblings, ballistic behavior in the back yard, and the list goes on and on. At one point, she literally bounced off the fence as she was trying to get to my neighbor.
I have been in tears of frustration for weeks. For the first time in my life, I considered medication for my dog. And then I considered an animal behaviorist. What else could I possibly do to bring some control and healing back into this situation?
And then it hit me. I hadn’t even asked God to intervene. So through my tears, this is what I prayed, “Dear God, please fix her!” That’s it!
Within just a few days’ time, Maisy clearly turned a corner. Not completely fixed, by any measure, but a definite difference from just a few days prior. I told others that she had gone from Tasmanian Devil back to Miss Sassy Pants. THAT I can handle!
So, let’s break this down a bit as I share with you what God taught me through my little darlin’.
The biggest lesson of all is one that I should have learned long ago. When faced with challenges of ANY size, turn first to God in prayer.
Why don’t we? Why didn’t I? I don’t have a great answer. It isn’t because I don’t think the issue is “big enough” for God. Luke 12:6-7 tells us that even the sparrows and the hairs on our head are numbered by God. He is clearly in the small stuff.
I think, at the core, the reason I didn’t turn to God sooner is because my go-to response is almost always to try to fix the issue myself, first.
Now this is just my imaginings, but I can see God looking down on this puppy problem, waiting for me to turn to him. When I clearly ignored his ever-present power, he rightfully put Maisy into her Tasmanian Devil mode. It took drastic measures to get my attention!
Now I realize, God doesn’t always quickly and clearly answer our pleas to him. However, as I prayed this morning (Friday) for a blog topic (which ironically, I hadn’t done yet), immediately this topic came to mind. I like to believe that God used my frustration and his subsequent provision to teach me and all of you a lesson about prayer.
God wants us to turn to him with anything that causes us to struggle, no matter how trivial we think it might look to him.
Here is some evidence that a minor miracle was performed last week. Quotes from two report cards, 4 days apart:
“I (Maisy) wouldn’t let the staff catch me when it was time to go in a loft for naptime, or go outside to potty.” – June 10, 2022
“During my stay I was, friendly, content, and playful. I had issues with nothing! Maisy loved playing with other dogs and had great recall during her 2-hour play time. She was super well behaved.” – June 14, 2022
Proud dog mama moment!
I want to remind you that God is in the epic events of this world, both awe-inspiring and catastrophic. And he is in our little moments, where we think he can’t possibly be bothered with us.
Where have you neglected to bring God into the mix in your own life challenges? Are there some nooks and crannies that you haven’t turned over to him? I have learned that lesson…for now. Pretty sure, I’ll need it again soon, as much as, or more than any of you!
And remember, our prayers need not be wordy. Mine was a mere five words. God knows our hearts and he knows our needs. May this be a reminder for you to turn to him today for something “trivial” that he longs to bless you with.
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
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