Lessons from God's Creation
The New Pup
(Reflection - December 1998)

I was typing at the computer when suddenly I realized that the house had been too quiet for too long. We have a new black lab pup named Sadie and I have to keep a close eye on her, or dire things happen. With some trepidation I went to see how she was amusing herself. She looked up with an innocent face when I entered the living room, a vast sea of tissues torn to bits surrounded her. It was hard to imagine how she had accomplished so much mischief in the time since I last checked on her. I scolded her while I cleaned up the mess. I think she got the idea that tearing up tissues was another thing on the list of things not pleasing to me. It is a constant chore to teach her what is acceptable behavior and what is not. I was glad that this escapade was easily remedied. Some of them were worse, like when she gently pulled the spine off an antique book in the bookcase, or when she pulled a board off the deck.

This is a busy girl!

It takes a lot of patience and effort to live with a puppy. They are prone to accidents, thoughtless behavior, disobedience and a host of trying characteristics. We put up with a lot because we take into account her nature and age, and also we know she loves us.

When I was at my wit’s end, one day early in our relationship, I was tempted to get rid of her. A little voice in my head said, "I hope your Master has more patience with you." That startled me, and made me think about how we must appear to our Father most of the time. Willful, unthinking, always getting into troubles and making messes. We are in constant need of chastisement and teaching.

I decided that I couldn’t send her away so easily, and would keep on trying. I hope and pray that my Master won’t give up on me either.

Annette Haltom

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