I have this sweet puppy named Zoe. She’s my best little friend and my favorite child. Ask my kids and they’ll tell you. Other than being with me and eating, she lives to go outside. Since she’s a tiny girl, not even four and a half pounds, she can’t go out and play like other pups can. Hawks watch for her and wouldn’t hesitate to swoop down and try to carry her away. Honestly, I have no greater fear for her than that. It doesn’t help that she hops through the grass like a bunny. Of course the hawks think she is dinner rather than someone’s little girl.

She’s now eleven, and in those years I’ve learned that early mornings before 8:00  a.m. and after dinner seem to be the safest times. Rarely is there a hawk present. Still, I don’t take any chances or let my guard down where she’s concerned. While we walk, I stay near, most times right by her side. I know that if I’m close a predator can’t easily get to her.

One evening recently, she and I were walking together and I could see my shadow cast over her prissy little body. It brought God to mind and how when we walk near to Him we are safest from the Predator. Even a little distance away from Jesus allows room for the enemy to swoop in and dig his talons into us.

It’s too easy to think that a step away won’t cause harm. But it can. Allowing this bad attitude here and that sinful action there can cause great harm to us and to those we love in the long run. I know for me, walking closely with Jesus daily by spending time with Him in prayer and through His Word matters. Even a few days away leads my mind to wander. I’m intentional about staying by His side. When I do, even a little bit of a bad attitude is caught and quickly addressed.

As for Zoe, she hasn’t figured all this out. She wants to run and hop and sniff no matter how near or far I am. I have to be a good mom and watch the skies for danger. I have to make sure I stay near enough to grab her up if I see a hawk circling. God is the same with us. Even when we are oblivious of the danger overhead, He’s there to grab us up at the first sign of danger.

My charge to you: Stay near to Jesus. Remain in the shadow of His wings. Danger is always out there lurking, but our good Father is watching the skies.

Blessings to you and yours from Lisa and Zoe!

Zoe sleeping on her back porch, dreaming of playing outside. Sometimes her feet wiggle as if she’s hopping around her courtyard.