Followed By a French Bulldog!

This week, Kim and I have been “dog sitting” for a family in our church. Their dog is a French bulldog named Arnie.  Arnie is definitely a people dog. He loves his family, and I’m sure miss them a lot.  But in their absence, Arnie has taken well to being with us; in fact, he always wants to be with one of us. So, he continually follows us around the house—sitting at our feet, at times getting in our way, sometimes waiting at the bottom of the steps to the second floor until we come down (he doesn’t do steps!), going in and out of the backyard along with us, etc. 

This past Monday I spent much of the day working around the house, mostly outside in our yard.  As I worked in the backyard (which is fenced in), Arnie would move from spot to spot with me. And, when I went out to the front of the house, Arnie would sit at the gate, peering through, waiting for me to come back in.  When I went into the house for lunch, Arnie came in right behind me. When I went back out, Arnie followed me out.  And so it has gone all week! I am definitely being followed! (Note: I’m not complaining…in fact, I kind of like it!) 

Arnie and I sitting on the couch watching TV!

As I was watching Arnie follow us around last night, I was reminded of a verse from Psalm 23 wherein David speaks about being followed: “Surely goodness and love (mercy, loving-kindness, love in action!) will follow me all the days of my life….” (Psalm 23:6 – NIV)  David spoke about God’s goodness and love following him all around—i.e. wherever he went, in every situation of life, in each and every season of life.  It’s a great statement of faith and trust in the One whom David knew as his Good Shepherd.  For David, it was almost as if God’s goodness and love were the sheepdogs that came behind the flock to make sure each and every ewe and lamb was moving in the right direction and that each one remained safe.  

I’m thankful today that I’m being followed—yes, by Arnie, but much more so by the goodness and love of God.  I know that no matter what may happen in life, God is at work to take care of me.  He sends his goodness and love to come behind me and to steer me into what he knows is best.  And, I know he does the same for each of his sheep.  

I want to remind you today, if you are living your life with God as your Shepherd, you are being followed!  His goodness and love are always coming right behind you!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris