Oh, the lovely sound of a dog barking at 7 a.m. It always happens in the mornings when you've planned to sleep in late. If you happen to be one of my neighbors, I'll apologize in advance.
Our much loved "Elvis" the 100 lb. Bloodhound has often sounded the wake-up call for the entire neighborhood. Perhaps it was a squirrel, a sunrise jogger, or even the mere thought of something out of the ordinary that sends him into "alarm mode."
Whatever the case may be, I'll be the one yelling for him to come inside and behave himself. He always obliges, but immediately wants to be let outside again so he can run a check on the yard and make sure everything is secure. His favorite place to be is guarding the fence-line.
Once he jumps up and puts his paws over the top of the picket fence, he stands over 5 feet tall. He can see everyone and everything that comes down the street. The problem is not his size as much as it is his bark. Wow. So incredibly loud and intimidating.
If he weren't my dog, I'd be scared to death. I often wonder what goes through people's minds when they walk past. Are they worried that he will bite? Are they concerned that he will chase them? Many times I make it a point to apologize to folks for his fearsome demeanor. And then at other times, I think, "I wish they'd just stop and give him a pat on the head and rub his ears. He'd love that. All he want's is their attention."
Then last Friday, a young lady did just that! My family and I were standing by our mailbox watching as the 5k runners were coming past. We were cheering and clapping, and Elvis was happily barking as loud as he could. The runners made their way past, and just as the last group was nearing, a young lady came over to the fence and asked if she could pet him.
Of course, he was perfectly willing. You could almost see the smile on his big silly face! Lovable Elvis.
Sometimes it's worth reaching out and getting close to someone in order to learn their true nature. That seems to be where a lot of people are today, especially concerning God.
This world that we are living in has people comfortably staying mere steps away from the Savior, convinced that He is less of a loving and merciful God and more of a condemning dictator. God is reaching out to seek and save those who are lost, and people back away without a second thought.
If only they would give God a chance. If only they would take that single step forward. If only they would seek to know God and learn of His nature. People would feel His love and see His compassion.
That is why we are told to “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7)
It's worth it to reach out to God. It's worth it to draw closer to Him. For in doing so, you WILL find the truth...and it will certainly surprise you.
