Once in a while, I let Frodo and Pippin out to roam the neighborhood. They like playing with their friends and generally making mischief. One late afternoon, I saw them near the house and called them to come to me. They looked at me, turned around, and ran off in the opposite direction. At first I was angry, but then I thought about that. I figured I could make them come to me, but if I did, then they would be a little resentful. I decided that I'd rather have dogs who choose to come to me. I knew at the time that if I waited long enough, they would come. And, indeed, after a while I called them again and they came running.

My relationship with God seems to be a lot like this. It seems to me that when He calls, I often run in the opposite direction. But I think this is a positive aspect of life -- this is as it should be. I figure he knows what's really going on. Often I run because I'm afraid of the responsibility. Sometimes I'm concerned of what others might think. Sometimes I question the reality of His call. Sometimes I just don't want to do the work. But that's not all that bad. Choosing stimulates a truthful relationship with God. He'd rather we choose to come than make us come. He'd rather we run away than come unwilling. He just waits and calls again later.

Besides, He knows we'll come when we're ready.

Copyright 1996 Debra Bruch