Dogged Determination

Snow dogOur dog Jack loves the snow. His bear-like coat makes summers difficult, but once cold weather arrives, he’s a contented canine. Despite his waning energy and joint pain, he’s always up for a walk outdoors and often balks at going back in, even in sub-zero temps.

If I was Jack, snow would frustrate me. After all, dogs love to “catch a scent,” and taking a walk in a snow-covered neighborhood doesn’t leave much for a nose to do. That, however, doesn’t stop Jack.

Knowing the good smells are under there somewhere, he plunges his muzzle into one drift after another with dogged determination. And without coming up for air, he enjoys nosing around beneath a foot of snow until we finally tug on his leash, coaxing him to continue walking. His face comes up covered with snow as if to say, “Hey, I’m busy here!”

I admire Jack’s tenacity. He knows what he’s after and is willing to dig deep to get it. I wish I had that same dogged determination in my quest for more of God.

Back in the 1970’s there was a phrase of “Christian-ese” popular in youth groups around the country. A teen who was fully committed to Christ was said to be “following hard after God.” It meant his highest priority was to learn more about the Lord and how to obey him fully.

The Pursuit of God.Recently I discovered that “following hard after God” didn’t originate in the ‘70’s after all, but was part of A. W. Tozer’s book, The Pursuit of God, written in 1948. His first chapter is titled, “Following hard after God,” a discussion of the deep satisfaction that comes in seeking God above all else. He says the results of such a pursuit include unique manifestations of Christ that can’t be had any other way.

 

From Tozer I learned that the expression “following hard after God” wasn’t original with him, either. He found it in the King James Version of the Bible: “My soul followeth hard after Thee.” (Psalm 63:8)

These were the words of David while he on the run in the wilderness, feeling an intense need for God. He wrote that he was “thirsty” for him, recognizing that “following hard after him” was his only hope. Pursuit of God was #1, and as we see his life played out in Scripture, his thirst for God was deeply satisfied.

Snowy walk, Jack and Nelson

In Jack’s pursuit of earth-scents, he isn’t exactly pursuing God. But he’s doing what God made him to do, which brings him deep satisfaction. And I know that if I would faithfully pursue God with that same dogged determination, my gains would be even greater than his.

“You, God, are my God; earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you. Your love is better than life. I will praise you as long as I live. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods.” (Parts of Psalm 63)

An Update from Jack

My last blog post was over 7 months ago, and tonight Midge asked if I felt like writing. Since I’ve been hoping for a chance to tell you about some significant changes in my life, I said yes.

Tired JackThe changes I’m talking about aren’t physical, though at 87 years old, I’m definitely slowing down. My problem is that I’m changing on the inside, especially in my head. Midge tells me I’m acting different these days, and that makes sense, since I feel different.

 

Sometimes I have such an overwhelming need to get near her that when she’s doing dishes, I’ll wedge myself between her knees and the kitchen cabinets. Or I’ll plant myself right on top of her feet. Often I’ll lie down so close that when she turns around, she trips over me.

At other times I’ll find myself wandering down to the basement, even when the lights are off, and when I get there, I’ll stand in one place wondering what I’m doing there. Back upstairs I might start licking the carpet and be unable to stop myself without help, even after 15 minutes.

Occasionally I’ll drink all the water in my big drinking bowl without stopping, licking the bottom when I’m done. And when we go on walks, I sometimes forget to do what I’m supposed to do while we’re out.

Over the weekend, Midge and my cousin-girl Marta took me to the vet for a once-over. All 3 of us learned the reason behind these changes. Though it’s true I have multiple benign tumors in my abdomen, some as big as baseballs, they aren’t my problem. The real trouble is that my “thinker” is wearing out. It turns out I have (gulp) doggie-dementia.

The vet performed some tests on me, and said that physically I was doing ok. Nothing needed to be done. I was glad to hear that, and I know Midge was, too. The doctor simply said, “If Jack needs you to be his security blanket right now, that’s ok, isn’t it?” It was comforting to see Midge nod yes.

When we arrived home, Midge and I had a serious talk. She told me that no matter what happens, she’ll always love me, and that we’ll work together to make my remaining time the best it can be. She said if I have to start taking medicine, she’ll wrap each pill in my favorite cheese. And as long as I can get up from a lying position (quite difficult these days), she’ll continue taking me on walks.

???????????????????????????????Midge told me that she and anyone else who loves God can trust him to care for them, no matter how old and needy they get. So since she’s not worried about her own future, I’m not gonna worry about mine. The same God who created her created me, so I know he’ll make old age work out for both of us.

“Throughout your lifetime…. I made you, and I will care for you.  (Isaiah 46:4)

 Praising and Praying with Mary

No news is good news, and both little Anders and I continue to do well. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer! I will be sure to update you in this space, as soon as anything new happens. You are much appreciated!

Dee

When our firstborn, Nelson, was still a toddler, we decided to buy him his first pet, the same pet most young parents often start with: a goldfish. Except for sea monkeys, nothing could be easier.

Every time little Nelson pushed a chair up to the kitchen counter to see his fish, he’d study the water-filled tank and say, “Dee-dee!” (his word for “drink”). And that’s how Dee got his name.

SANY0053As most new parents do, we considered our young offspring to be especially bright, so we carefully showed him how to shake the fish food into the water, just two quick shakes each day. Nelson  seemed to understand, following through exactly as I’d told him.

Then one day I came into the kitchen and found him kneeling on the counter, enthusiastically shaking Comet cleanser into Dee’s tank. He looked at me without the slightest bit of guilt, proud of himself for doing what I’d taught him. “Dee eat!” he said with a smile, although Dee was invisible in the cloudy green water.

CometDee’s short life came to a quick conclusion after that. Despite an immediate cleaning of the tank, within hours he was belly-up. Nelson had no trouble summing up the situation: “Dee ni-night.”

I’m sure there are times when God instructs me much the same as I instructed Nelson, hoping I’ll listen carefully and diligently follow through. Just as Dee suffered as a result of Nelson’s mistake, I often suffer from my own mistakes… or from plain old disobedience.

Sometimes God’s instructions seem too difficult (or unpleasant) to follow, so I flat-out disregard them and do what seems right to me, even if it’s the opposite of what God said. Such foolishness always results in disaster, maybe immediately, maybe later.

Goldfish.There is one big difference between my instructions to Nelson and God’s instructions to me. Our toddler wasn’t really capable of understanding the feeding ritual for a fish, so Dee’s demise was probably my fault. But God’s instructions are always rightly-matched to my ability to follow through.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you.” (Psalm 32:8)

Praising and Praying with Mary

  1. I’m thankful that little Anders had a successful first 24 hours at home.
  2. Vacationing in Florida this week has been delightful and nourishing.
  3. My heart is aching tonight for good friends who just learned their 50-something husband and father has “cancer everywhere.”