Psalm 25: 4 – Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Matthew 28: 20 – Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. (KJV)

Several of my oldest and dearest friends and I had met at some cabins for the weekend, arrived late at night and got up early for a refreshing morning walk. The head cabin’s resident dog was an old springer spaniel who looked every bit his age and had an “air” about him which begged to be bathed. I’m not sure if I carried my dog’s scent or what, but for some reason, the old dog decided to trudge along by me …but as I didn’t know the dog’s name or gender, (he) was addressed as “dog”. So it was “good dog”, “come on dog” during our journey together.

I guess that we weren’t paying much attention and after about an hour and a half through a trail in the bush, we emerged from the bushes into a veritable oasis, and weren’t really sure where we were. We had been so engrossed in conversation, we hadn’t even seen the “private property” sign. There was no alternative but to venture in and ask directions.

It had been a long walk and the tired dog began lagging behind, so I hung back with him, concerned for the dog’s wellbeing, and mentally figuring out how we’d transport him, should he collapse. Safely back, the dog sunk onto the porch for a much needed rest. That’s when I found out his name was Bentley, and he often chose to accompany guests on their walks I’m sure he could have led us home, but instead,staying ever near us, he let us find our own way.

I thought about how much that was like our relationship with our Lord. He stays right with us always, even when we go blindly ahead on our own. He stays with us in our decisions on what road to take, and is still there when we find it’s been a wrong one and need to ask directions to find our way home.

Prayer: We thank you Lord, for the gift of choice. For staying with us in those times when we may not be paying attention; when the choices we make, and the paths we take, are not what you would want for us. We thank you for hearing our prayers and for the many ways and people you use to guide us in our directions to find our way home.

(September 15,1998)

Mary Daniel md61@telus.net