Chasing Squirrels

“…Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad…. Seek His face continually.” Psalm 105:3b-4b

With a full belly and the taste of her favorite dogie treats still on her tongue Lucy steps out onto the deck to survey the yard and adjacent woods. Standing perfectly still, ears erect she scrupulously studies the yard, sniffing the air, straining to see any moving thing. You would think that after a full day of loving attention from grandma (with biscuits) and a satisfying meal with dogie dessert she would be ready to curl up for the night.

No.

Something moves … a chipmunk? A rabbit? A squirrel? Whatever it is, it’s scintillating and must be pursued. Despite having enjoyed a deeply satisfying day, there may be something more to be had. In a flash she’s gone chasing after “something more” which she never catches. It’s a good thing she never catches that “something more;” it would likely turn and bite her in the face, causing great pain.

How is it that I can be so much like my dog? You lavishly pour boundless lovingkindness over me, You supply my every need (and many of my wants). You are always with me, You go before me and are my rear guard. And You are ever patient even when I pursue “something more,” something that, if I “caught” it, I would eventually (if not immediately) realize is at best, merely gilded, of little if any worth. But still sometimes … sometimes there’s that temptation….

Lord, help me to discipline myself to keep my focus on You. Help me to realize in my heart of hearts that You – and only You – are “something more.”