HSBC Coffeebreak

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8

This summer we took a camping trip with some friends. These friends brought along their dog, Jake, who was in the process of being trained to retrieve. I watched in amusement as Jake would bring his toy for someone to throw and then bound away in excitement as soon as it was thrown. Of course, in his enthusiasm, he would forget to watch where it would land. Then began the process of directing him to the proper location.

Our friends would give him verbal instructions and hand cues. With typical puppy exuberance, he would occasionally look at everyone watching and then with ears perked, tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth and a sparkle in his eyes, he would ignore the commands and run energetically around the field in search of his toy.

You see, Jake knew exactly what his objective was, but failed, in his enthusiasm and his focus on who was watching, to take the time to get instructions on how to complete the task.

Hmmm, strike a cord with anyone? I know it sure did with me! I have a goal- driven personality. I can be that exuberant and excited “puppy," putting my energy into serving God without spending time looking to Him for instruction along the way. I get so focused on accomplishing the goal I forget to seek God’s will on how I should get there.

Next time I jump into a task, I’d like to think I’ll remember Jake and take more time looking to God for His direction.

Written by
Michele Chard