This morning we were sitting at our school table working when...ZINGGGGGGGGGGGGG! A small dachshund shot across our yard. We don't see many dachshunds around here and it was cause for alarm because this swift little guy clearly wasn't bothered by the presence of heavy traffic. As I was throwing on my shoes to head outside after him, along came two girls in scrubs. They were out of breath and clearly looking for something. I ran to them and pointed out the dog's path. Before I could head inside, two more folks in scrubs arrived at my drive way. The dog had escaped from the arms of its owner at the local vet's office and darted out an opened door. Before long the entire neighborhood was being canvased by a half a dozen scrub-wearing animal lovers and a variety of sympathetic on-lookers.
I know that dog must have been terrified when he figured out he was at veterinarian's office. Shots, bigger dogs, strange people, odd smells....something caused him to feel that running away was a better option. And run he did! Across many lanes of traffic ( three times!), into yards with larger dogs, through uncharted territory...with an army of oddly-dressed strangers chasing after him all the while! The dangers of the escape were, in reality, far more dangerous than the original threat. But he hadn't known that when he jumped out of the safety of his owner's arms.
We are often like that little dog when we see a trail coming our way. Even if we don't run, we want to. Usually we need to just sit quietly, accept the difficulty, and let God use it to work a good treatment in us. The attempt to escape has far more potential for harm. What we would be running from is the plan our loving Father has designed for us. He has our ultimate good in mind.
I recently read a book which mentioned Helen Keller. It said she once remarked about people bearing their trials as if they are privileges. This struck me. Can there be a better way to bravely face our trials? Viewing uncomfortable situations not as scary reasons to run, but as gifts entrusted to us by an ever-present, ever-helping God? A privilege given specifically and individually to us, to show His glory and power to a watching world? A package of earthly circumstances to make us more like Him?
The next time you face a trial, bravely ask for grace to view it as a privilege. Patiently wait in His secure arms for the good He wishes to work in you.
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