Short Leash

     As I walked my cocker spaniel this morning, she spied a cottontail rabbit and a momma quail with a couple of babies. She stopped in her hurried tracks with ears perked and breathing quieted, she stared. I stood still too, holding tightly to her leash. I enjoy watching these moments to see who will break first, the predator or the prey. As usual the rabbit shot off, dispersing the quail family and my dog jerked at her leash to break free.
     For a number of reasons I did not let her loose to chase the rabbit. First of all, there are rules in our development about dogs needing to be on leashes. Secondly, she doesn't need the animals for food. She has fresh water and kibbles provided daily. Lastly, if I were to let her off her leash to run after every fleeing wild thing, I'd likely lose my domesticated pet to the desert or a car tire.
     This is the same thing I see God doing in my life. I pray regularly that he will, as my girlfriend, Laura often says, "Keep me on a short leash." Because I have too many "wild" human tendencies that would send me chasing after all flavor of worldly treats if left to my own accord. As a Christian, Satan would target me for sure exposure of my indiscretions as he wants the world to view over and over what hypocrites Christians can be. Thus I'd be driving yet another nail in the cross of Christ. Yes, He paid for my sins on the cross once for all, but that's so I can have freedom from sin, not so I can wallow in it.

My dog on a leash, hooked up to the dining room table, after a recent surgery. 

She didn't like being restrained, but this was the doctor's orders. 

Sometimes we don't like what is best for us, but our emotions don't change the facts.

Proverbs 5:23
For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.