Not Just When I'm in Trouble

Cody (our German Shepherd) has a fear of thunderstorms. A bit funny for a retired K-9, but nevertheless, if a storm is coming our way and he hears the thunder, he's whining at the door. He's an outside dog, though, so we simply have to tell him to go in his doghouse.

The other day, a storm was rolling in. It hadn't reached us yet, but the wind was picking up, and the thunder began to rumble. I was working in my flower garden (where the dogs are not allowed), and all of a sudden, Cody was right there. He wouldn't leave me! Normally, he sticks closely to the head of the house, and I'm just his playmate. But since Daddy was gone, all of a sudden, I was the one Cody wanted.

I shooed him out of the garden more than once, but came right back, sticking to me like clue as the thunder rolled. Chores came next and I had to get the horses in, so I took to the paddock then the barn. Lo and behold, there was Cody right there again, staying close and even trying to play with me a couple times.

The storm came, he had to stay outside, and afterward, he was no worse for wear. But it got me thinking about us and God. I like to run to God when there are storms in my life. He's my shelter and He's got it all under control. But where am I after the storm?

It seems we often like to live our lives the way we want - with us in control. Then all of a sudden when something goes wrong, we run to God. But how must He feel the rest of the time? Is He only the shelter when we're in trouble?

My experience with Cody was humorous, no doubt. But in the end, I think I was taught a good lesson as well. I want to stick close to God all the time, not just when I'm in trouble. It's a two-way street, and I want to be His friend.