As the guests entered, the dog followed.  The hosts were a bit taken that a couple brought their pet (and large at that) to the dinner gathering.  They thought it rude, but held their tongues.

As the evening progressed, the dog did what dogs do, becoming a general distraction and disturbing what should have been an enjoyable evening at every turn.  At length, the offending couple prepared to leave, but the dog made no move. The host remarked, “Don’t forget your dog.” The woman looked on as the man replied, “That’s not our dog.”

A multitude of things will make life unpleasant, distract from important issues and bring ruination if we allow them to do so.  Like a dog out of place. You know, the kind of things that are intrusive, not really important but hard to shake. Always sniffing around.  We put up with things that would be better shooed off and, when things are spoiled, wonder where the pests came from and why we didn’t act sooner.  And a dog doesn’t have to bite me to bother me.

It’s easy to get involved with pet points that take up time and squander resources.  I’m not the one to judge every cause, but please be selective in your battles because the hand often cleaves to the sword.  It’s easy for the personality to dictate even the realm of the Spirit.

There are a lot of things I would redo if I could do.  I don’t have pets now. Though I enjoyed the ones I had, they were expensive.  With only so much money and time, I have to make sure both are well-spent.

Don’t waste your life.  Not in wantonness or triviality.  It is easy to become more and more concerned about smaller and smaller issues that don’t matter much anyway.  Invasive nuisances make victims of us, and an obsessive nature will not allow rest. At the end of the day, heaven will not have gained or anyone’s life improved by being right or winning an argument over nothing.  Paul said to avoid circular reasoning and foolish discussions that create opportunities for strife.

I’m not downplaying unpleasantries and have fought my share of unwinnable battles, but choose well.  Over the years, my viewpoints have changed as experience increased. At the same time, the lights of Scripture have grown brighter and guided me to greater sincerity and understanding of true worth.  Be careful of causes, and don’t trust human nature. It’s easy to chase fireflies and ignore smoldering embers that aren’t quite so flashy. Don’t ignore things that last longest and mean most.

In close communion, bring your bright smile and winsome personality, but leave your dog at home.  If one shows up, make sure everyone understands it is not your best friend that is ruining everyone’s time.  And don’t facilitate a beast. Lots of folks hold their tongues when someone should promote the general welfare.

Some issues are important, and I know you may have thoughts that need to be heard, but, if people enjoy your company, it may be that one will ask, “Do you have a pet?”

Sterl