Dogs Being Dogs
Dogs being dogs. I love it when an animal gets to be what God designed them to be. We took Willow and Liberty on a three-day trail ride in the Colorado mountains to celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary. We had a cabin to come home to, a place to board our horses, and a very dog-friendly environment to ride.
Willow soaking in a mud puddle
The dogs sniffed out every inch of the trail, chased chattering squirrels up trees, waded across creeks, lay in every mud puddle on the path, and easily ran twice as far as we rode on horseback. Breathless and panting, they frequently checked in with us and then ran off on their own adventure. Whatever one of them found, the other had to check out. Even though they were a muddy stinky mess, it made me smile to watch them “just being dogs.”
In the movie Seabiscuit, the new trainer, owner, and jockey take the race horse out on the track to see what he can do. He can’t even run in a straight line – he’s all over the track and his gait is chopped and varied. The trainer shakes his head and says, “…running in a circle, he’s forgotten what he was born to do. He just needs to learn how to be a horse again.” (I love those lines!) So they get him off the race track and out in the open country. The jockey asks the trainer, “How far do you want me to take him?” The trainer answers, “Until he stops.” Seabiscuit runs like a horse set free, his gait elongated with horse racing beauty, doing what he was born to do. Ah, yes, I love it when an animal gets to be what God designed them to be!
Dogs getting wet
Do we sometimes forget who we are? Everyday life gets us running in circles, thinking that’s all there is. It’s far from that. We are God’s child and His design! Oh, that we would fully grasp that truth and live in such a way! Romans 8:14-17 - ”For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
Crossing the creek
It was good for our souls to get away and ride the open country. Being surrounded by God’s beauty, we felt His touch as warm as the sun filtering through the evergreens. We remembered that we are God’s child and basked in the knowledge. Don’t forget God’s design for who you are in Christ! He wants to see you being all that you can be. I’m pretty sure it makes Him smile 
Thanks, Mary Kay. I love your insights!
Thank you, Robyn! Have a blessed weekend!