Pulling Away
By Justin March

“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land.
For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15

Walking the dogs is one of my favorite parts of the day.  It gets us
outdoors and allows us to decompress for a few short moments in our otherwise
hectic schedule.  It is always a joy to see the excitement when we put
those harnesses on, and the happiness these canines portray erases whatever
negativity the morning may have brought upon us.

Now, I will have to admit, there are days there are challenges when walking two
80 pound dogs.  They can be stubborn, they get distracted, and they often
pull away from us as they become overwhelmed by the world around them.  No
matter how much I train them to stay by our side, the stimuli draws them away
from us.  Sometimes there is no harm as they lunge at whatever has caught
their attention, but sometimes there are consequences to face when they venture
too far.  Yet, no matter how much they pull away with the free will they
have been granted, they understand we are always there to nurture and protect
them.  And at the end of every adventure, they find comfort and
reassurance that our loving arms are always open for them as they find their
way back to us.

How many times do we find ourselves pulling away from God?  With
everything the world puts in front of us, it should not be surprising that we
find ourselves lunging at the distractions.  Sometimes there is no harm as
we venture towards whatever has caught our attention, but sometimes there are
consequences to face.  He understands we need to wander.  He
understands we need to explore.  And He understands we will make mistakes
that will bring us heartache and pain.  Yet, no matter how much we allow
our free will to pull us away from our walks with God, He is always there to
nurture and protect us.

The path is there for us to follow.  The tools needed to stay on track
have been provided.  But there are other forces that are going to pull us
away with shiny offerings and enticing gifts.  We are human, and we are
going to wander.  We will make mistakes when we lunge.  Yet, we have
a master that is forgiving and gracious.  And at the end of every
adventure, we too can find comfort and reassurance that there is always a path
that leads us back to His open and loving arms.  And when we realize that
it is His way that brings us the most joy in our journeys, we find peace as He
cradles us in His promises of hope and resurrection!