Do You Trust Me?
Our dog Skip is the most lovable and loyal companion you could ever hope to meet. At twelve years old, he is facing some limitations these days–no teeth left, for one, and unable to leap from couch to couch the same way his energetic, younger self could have years ago, but this last week, this aging Chihuahua taught me a profound spiritual lesson.
My family and I went to the Texas Hill Country for the New Year’s celebration and we brought this sweet pup with us. On the drive down there, he was not a happy camper, suffering from carsickness during and even after our drive ended. Chihuahuas are known to be a bit anxious and this trip accentuated that for him. So on the drive back home, I did what any good mama would do and I searched for some natural remedies and helpful tips to ease his suffering. But most of all I did what I could to calm him down, talking to him and assuring him that he was safe, all in an effort to stop his shaking and keep his tummy at peace.
(For those of you who are not dog-lovers, this may seem eccentric, but bear with me. The lesson to be learned here is significant. For those whose pets are part of your family, this will seem quite normal.)
This was a little bit of what it sounded like:
“It’s okay, Skip. You are okay. Trust me. I’m looking out for you, taking care of you, and will be with you every step of the way.”
“I’m not taking you anywhere that I will not go as well. I will be with you every minute.”
“Please do not be afraid. There is not a thing to fear. We’re just taking a little trip back home and we’ll get through this together.”
“Look at me. I love you and will do all I can to keep you focused on how safe you are with me.”
With each encouragement and assurance I offered, I noticed the parallels. How many times has my Heavenly Father taken my face in His hands, figuratively speaking, and said these exact words to me during my trials and sufferings? How many times has He tried to convince me that there will be nothing that I will face that He will not face with me? How many times has He tried to show me that He is more than capable of handling all of my problems but yet I shiver and shake with worry and anxiety? How many times have I held panic in my eyes, like our little Chihuahua, but if only I would look deep into my Father’s eyes and trust His promises and His provision, my fear would melt away?
Skip made it home just fine. I like to think he understood me–that there was nothing to fear and I was with him–because he curled up and looked completely content to sleep the afternoon away as we drove. I wonder how desperately our Comforter and Redeemer longs for us to rest in His love and protection as well. . .
It’s as if He is asking, with every quickened pace of our heartbeat, “Do you trust Me?”