Today, I have a treat for you!! This is a devotional from my new book, straight out of the manuscript. You’ll receive more of this when you preorder during the early bird special!
Day 3
Rejected or Redirected?
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)
I sat on the edge of my seat with my classmates, who were as anxious as I was. One by one, Lori and Louise, our instructors at GEB, announced the name, color, and sex of our guides.
After the announcements, we hurried to our dorm rooms and waited for our fur babies to arrive. Immediately, I knew Iva was the same peppy, friendly dog I had walked the previous day. Lori left us to kindle a friendship. Iva covered me with kisses as I caressed her. We played a game called “Touch.” I made a fist, commanded her to touch it, and she bopped my fist with her wet nose. Then she received a treat. We still use the “Touch” command to draw her attention back to me.
Lori and Louise had warned us our dogs might still pine after them. I considered how my guide may feel shunned. The puppies are born at GEB, and at six to eight weeks go to volunteers to be raised. Their first human moms or dads teach them to be well-behaved members of society.
At fourteen to sixteen months of age, the puppy raisers say a tearful goodbye to their bundles of joy and return them to GEB. After six months of guide dog training, they are paired with a student, and the guide dog team graduates together.
Iva had gone through various changes in her short eighteen months of life. While Lori trained Iva, they bonded, but now Lori would never talk to Iva again. The only person who could speak her name was me. None of the trainers could talk to the dogs. This was vital for building a deep relationship between guide and handler.
Did Iva feel rejected when Lori ignored her? Did she feel unwanted or unloved?
We bonded quickly, so I doubt it bothered Iva as much as it would have bothered me.
We often perceive the actions of others as personal. I have struggled with rejection, wondering at times, is it because I am the Bible-thumper, or am I a burden? Are they thoughtless, or is my perception warped because I am supersensitive?
Man’s rejection is God’s redirection.
God uses people to move us into the path He has prepared for us. People are like ships passing at sea. They only remain in our lives for a season. We must not allow occasional feelings of being left out to create grudges or a root of bitterness. We hurt no one but ourselves when we do that.
Instead, observe how God is working. Is He moving you in another direction? You might not perceive His plan at first. One day you will survey those hurtful incidents as baby steps that led you to something greater. A wonderful plan for your life, orchestrated by God.
Lord, help us refrain from overreacting to thoughtless people and hurtful situations. More importantly, give us a forgiving spirit so we can move forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Digging for Bones
Read Hebrews 12:15.
*** Learn more about Faith, Freedom and 4 Paws: Seeing God Through Iva’s Eyes Guide Dog Tales Book 1 Here!!
Originally posted on June 12, 2020 @ 3:00 am