Letting Life’s Distractions Lead You Astray

Last week, I introduced you to my constant companion, Lucy Lu. If you didn’t read that post, read it first (HERE) since this is part 2 of her story. Lucy, aka LuLu, Lula Girl, and Good Girl, is a tiny ball of fur that thinks I hung the moon. She is usually only a few feet away from me unless she gets distracted, and then she can go astray.

When I found Lucy walking down the railroad track, I took her to the vet for an exam. He pronounced her around 2-3 years old, of good health, and a Yorkie or Terrier mix. Since we don’t know her heritage, I’ve decided she is part squirrel dog.

If you’ve ever owned a small dog, you know they can have a sharp bark and an attitude that makes them think they can take on the biggest foes. Size means nothing to them, and they are always ready to protect the ones they love. For Lucy, that means anyone who comes within eyesight of me is subject to a barrage of barking.

Lucy is my protector. She is willing to go to battle for me at any given time unless you step toward her, and then she runs behind me so that I can protect her.

You would think that Lucy would listen to my every word and come to me whenever I call for her. But that is not the case since she can be easily distracted.

I take Lucy outside several times a day to go potty. I’ve found that she will stay closer to the house when I stay on the screened-in porch. Some mornings, people in the neighborhood walk, ride bicycles, and take their dogs for a potty break. If Lucy spots someone, she takes off after them, barking her little head off.

Lucy weighs about 6-7 pounds soaking wet, so she isn’t a significant threat to anyone, but no one enjoys being barked at. I will come flying off the porch, yelling at her to return, but she pays me no attention. More often than not, I’m forced to walk down the road in my PJs and robe to force her back to the house.

If she isn’t terrorizing unsuspecting walkers, she has her nose to the ground following the scent of a squirrel or chipmunk that has dared to come on our property. She has a one-track mind, and once she is on the hunt, no amount of calling for her will deter her from her pursuit. If, by chance, she finds a rabbit or squirrel, and they take off running, she is gone.

I’m sure everyone in the neighborhood knows Lucy’s name since they always hear me yelling at her. What I don’t understand is why doesn’t she respond to my call. She loves me more than life, so why would she let life’s minor distractions lead her away from me where danger lurks?

John 10:2-4

² The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

The Bible talks a lot about farmers, fishermen, and shepherds since those were most people’s professions. They could better relate to the stories and how they could apply to their lives. Lucy Lu is my sheep. She follows me “most” of the time, but it is those times when she doesn’t that can lead to problems.

1 Corinthians 10:13

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Lucy is no different than you and I, except her temptations might differ. She is tempted to chase things that can lead her astray, and I am guilty of that, too. She can have the squirrels, but I’m tempted by approval, control, money, pride, etc.

James 1:13-15

¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

We all have temptations that will lead us astray. The devil is counting on that and uses our desires against us. Isn’t it funny that the devil uses our desires for evil while the Lord wants to help us achieve our desires?

Take a few moments to take inventory of the temptations that could lead you astray. Be mindful of how the devil might use those against you, and be vigilant and watchful. And pray as the Lord teaches us.

Matthew 6:13

¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!