It is no secret that I love spending time in the kitchen. It is my happy place, as long as someone else will clean the dishes! Throughout the years, I have made many fond and some not-so-fond memories working alongside my mom to create meals enjoyed by many. I have carried on her tradition of baking for the bus kids or of simply throwing together a meal from what we have on hand.
One thing that always amazes me is the six eyes gazing upon me when I am in the kitchen, especially when I am cutting up fruits or vegetables. My three dogs know they will enjoy a full salad before the family is served. As the dogs were eagerly waiting at my feet one day, I realized their little personalities mimic those of so many Christians; and I was convicted as I considered the type of Christian I am.
Lady is the eldest. She has been around a bit longer, and her patience is nearly non-existent. In her younger years, she was the first in the kitchen, waiting patiently for my mom to feed her morsels of goodness. Now, she saunters in long after the cutting has begun, usually after realizing the others are likely getting treats. If she has to wait too long, she will give up and go back to her bed, only to return if and when she is called by name. Some Christians act like Lady, arriving to the church service late, if at all, and leaving first. They have little enthusiasm for the work of God and will get involved only when it profits them.
Teddy is the youngest. He has not quite learned the benefits of being in the kitchen. He prances in because the other two are there. He timidly takes the morsels, exploring the tastes and textures to determine if he likes it or not. When he is too slow in accepting the treat, one of the others snags the food from him! If food is not dropped for him in a timely manner, he will give up and return to his play and exploration of other areas in the house. Christians like Teddy show up to see what is going on; however, if things are not moving fast enough for them, they lose interest and hop to the next thing that catches their eye. They miss out on the blessings that come with consistency, faithfulness, and purpose in serving God.
Ruby is the middle-aged dog. She is also the most patient and steady of the three. If I am in the kitchen, she is right at my feet, looking at me with her big, expressive eyes. Long after the other two have given up, she patiently watches me and waits for the morsels to come her way. She enjoys extra blessings because she is right “under my wings,” her gaze never wavering as she waits for me to come through for her. Christians like Ruby are those who are at the church every time the doors are opened. They are so busy being around the people of God that they must be shooed out at the end of the night so security can lock up the building. They do not want to miss a single opportunity to obtain a blessing.
To which dog are you most similar?
Are you like Lady? Have you lost your awe and love for all the sustaining blessings God has given?
Are you like Teddy, distracted, easily swayed, and lacking focus on where God has put you?
Are you like Ruby, with your gaze never leaving God as you follow Him, staying focused on what He has for you to do today?
God will give us extra blessings if we will keep our gaze on Him. We should stay focused on what only He can give us, remaining patient as we yield to His timing while allowing Him to feed us and care for us. Oh, that we would learn the true meaning of Psalm 91:1-4: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
by Melissa Caperton
