The Dog in the Map

 Several times a week, we take Ellie to a nearby schoolyard. I put her on a 30-foot leash and allow her to walk, run, sniff, and track to her heart's content.  I know this activity is very important for a scent-driven hound, and I enjoy spending the time watching her and musing through things in my own mind.  Usually, I only stop her or direct her path if I realize there is something dangerous to her or that she might be in someone else's way.  For all our other walks, I direct where she goes.

The other day, as we were getting out of the car, I realized that since I was tracking our distance on my phone, it would generate a map of where we went.  I thought this might be something interesting to see, so I decided to follow her every step.  This is the map:

When I saw it, I knew my daughters would get a kick out of all the turns and back and forths.  I clearly did not see the map as did my daughter, Emmie.  This is what she sent back:

Our daughter could see in that Google map something I did not see.  She could see Ellie sniffing around on the ground. I was thrilled at what her artist's eye saw in seconds. Not only that, her reply was almost instantaneous.  

I thought I had made something unique by following my dog's every footstep.  But my daughter made it something so much greater.  That is just like God, isn't it?  We think we have something figured out, but His knowledge and sight are infinite.  Just as I didn't have the artist's eye to see what Emmie saw instantly, I do not have the Lord's knowledge and understanding to correctly or fully understand the situations in which He leads me.  That means I have to trust HIS knowledge, understanding, and guidance in every aspect of my life. 

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him."  2 Samuel 22:31.

As Ellie trusts me to keep her out of danger while on that long leash, I must trust the Lord to do the same in my life. As I put my trust in His will and way, His eyes and not my own, His way will become clear, and I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He has led me all the way.  

''For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, 
saith the Lord." Isaiah 55:8.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; 

trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." 

Psalm 37:5

 

All the Way My Savior Leads Me

Fanny Crosby

All the way my Savior leads me.
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt his tender mercy,
Who thru' life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.