Greetings TSJ Friends,
What two things do we humans desire a whole lot? I think it may be 
safety and freedom. This is true both on the physical plane and the emotional and spiritual plane!
And both safety and freedom are generated by love. This is the essence of today’s Wednesday Wisdom…the kind of “wisdom” that is ever earthy and always evolving here at TSJ headquarters.
Today Solomon Junior (SJ) is listening to Solomon telling him about the inherent value in having certain necessary restrictions from time to time to provide safety for exploring his world. So Solomon was very grateful I came home yesterday and told him what I learned.
Today’s Story
It all happened so fast.
I was accompanying my friend, John, on his routine dog walking excursion yesterday afternoon. The weather was lovely, and the three of us were happy – John, me and his little dog, Max (a mixed breed with a lot of terrier in him). Suddenly an aggressive and large breed dog ran into the road and lunged into Max.
Max is 13 years old but one would never know. He is very well cared for in every way, including getting healthy doses of fresh air and exercise each day. It was John’s late wife’s dog and since she passed away he has taken over its care in a most gentle way. John is as tall and strong as Max is small and unaware of any limitations of size. He thinks he is big.
Fortunately, Max was on a leash held by his master. We followed Max’s usual pace of trotting along at a fairly good clip only to stop abruptly every so often so he could leave his mark somewhere or sniff out some new excitement. It is the routine.
But everything changed in an instant! Growling, barking, more growling . . .and attack. It was obvious who was in danger.
John’s adrenalin kicked in and his long, well toned sea worthy body (from a life of sailing and running) became the protection Max needed. At the end of John’s long legs are large feet. And one of those saved the day. He gave a quick kick to the attacker that momentarily stunned it and released Max to freedom as the dog sitter came rushing to get the aggressive dog. and John guided Max to safety where the two of them (man and doggie) could be calm and assess the damage.
Fortunately, there was no damage, just racing hearts and jolted feelings. Max was a bit subdued but seemed okay.
We walked quietly and reflectively ourselves at first, grateful for a good outcome. And I was in awe of John’s strength, quick action, and protection of Max. It was both disquieting to see the event but a privilege to see such care and protection. No unkind words were hurled, just strong words for the aggressor and soothing words for Max.
After we walked for several minutes quietly soaking up the sunshine. waving to neighbors and waiting for Max to make his usual stops, John shared something that really caught my attention.
He quietly said, “Sometimes I liken walking Max on his leash to my relationship with God.”
“Hmm,” I responded, “How so?”
“Well,” John reflected, “A leash can be thought of as restricting freedom but in actuality it generally provides more freedom.” Like God’s laws, the leash provides enough limits to protect and enough leeway to safely and freely explore.”
Wow, I thought. I made an immediate connection to the imagery. Watching John lovingly allow space for Max to roam and play while he keeps vigil for possible dangers with occasional tightening or tugging of the leash did make me realize that is how the Love and protection of God works with us.
When danger struck, John (the dog’s master) jumped into full out protection mode for this “little fella,” as he calls Max. With his swift kick against the aggressor – followed by soothing words and gentle stroking of Max it made me deeply aware of – and grateful for – the guidance, limitations, love and protection of our Father and Chief Shepherd. We too can play creatively and freely in the fields of life!
Love is like that.
As always, it is a shared journey and I wanted to share with you what I learned from a man and his dog yesterday.
Margie (with Solomon’s approval!)
