Walking With Jesus

     On the last leg of taking my dogs for a walk, I began to reflect on an idea that connects with my own spiritual journey. Something about harnessing up the pups, seeing their eager excitement about getting out of the house, observing their never ending sense of wonder about following the same path around the neighborhood that pretty much clocks a thirty minute brisk pace, well, it just does something to ya. It's also a great opportunity to clear my own head, and gives me the kind of time I like for meditation, reflection, and prayer.
     I love how Jesus used parables to teach his followers and disciples. Little analogies about everyday things that everyone understands, like how a mustard plant can grow from a tiny seed into a large tree, or telling his disciples things like, "I am the Vine, you are the branches." Just the simple things in life that we often take for granted have the greatest and most meaningful principles attached when given the appropriate comparison to how it corresponds with life in God's Kingdom.
     So, as I'm walking the two Dachshunds that I love and respectably care for, one a short hair, the other a miniature long hair, I begin to consider how they love to walk with me. All I have to say is, "Walk?" and they run to the door and wait for their harnesses. But the fact of the matter is that I am in FULL CONTROL of the outing in its entirety. As we walk through the neighborhood I keep a tight grip on each of their leads and know exactly how to provide a gentle "tug" to make them aware they are steering off the given path I CHOOSE for them to follow. There is never a harsh word or reprimand or scolding or threat. I make a simple tug on their lead and they are back, right in step with my direction. They are mine. I am in control. I am protecting, leading, guiding, and lovingly keeping them right in step with my direction and will.
     It's really just that simple. We are daily walking with Jesus in a relationship that has been crafted by his loving design and purpose to bring us into his family.  Traditional religion, philosophy and our own darkened misunderstandings about God has tripped us up on our path. These things have caused us to be fearful, shamed, confused, condemned, guilt and anxiety-ridden because of lack of understanding the Father's love. That's why Jesus spoke to people using illustrations that were so easy to grasp. After all, the scriptures teach us that he is "Light." It's no wonder our capacity to grasp simple, yet sustainable truth is triggered by the things spoken by the Holy Spirit.
     I'm learning to walk with Jesus as easily as my dogs walk with me. I'm trusting more, fearing less and not worrying about getting lost along the way. I believe I am tethered to him on some kind of spiritual "lead" that I cannot see or feel, but I am certain has me connected in such a way that I will not wander from his care and protection. This realization is making me happier than I've ever been prior to this understanding, because previously I was always trying to lead God. Not anymore. And I know this to be true. King David wrote about this same principle in application in the 23rd Psalm saying, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your HARNESS AND LEAD, they comfort me..."  (My take on "rod and staff." Humor me.)
     Seriously, what have I to fear? Hopefully you, too, will learn the joy of walking with Jesus and all the while knowing that he is fully capable of being in charge. Don't stress. Just trust.

Drink deeply.