Princess Riley

December 31, 2008 queenmom

We did what we (Hubby and I) said we would never do–we got another puppy. Our last dog died suddenly at only age 7. Years ago Hubby said when Rusty died there would be no more dogs. He held fast to that proclamation until. . .two weeks after Rusty’s death Little Miss could hold it in no longer. During our family’s prayer time Litte Miss began to sob unconsolably. She had been counting the days since Rusty’s death. She missed his company and with Perfect Middle Child leaving for college within the year, she knew she would be lonely.

The negotiations began. Hubby was persuaded to get another dog on the contingency that his conditions be met. Perfect Middle Child began her internet search for the next perfect member of our family.

Discussion of our research–from the internet, my husband’s work buddies and associates, the vet, and anyone else we talked to in the three-day period–consumed all of our family time. My brain was about to explode.

Saturday morning, the day of decision, Hubby’s cell phone rang about 8:30am. It was one of the many breeders Hubby talked to. The last female puppy was now available. She was a golden retreiver. He was able to negotiate the price to our limit. Every condition Hubby asked for was in place. He made the appointment and within half an hour our family was in the van and headed to meet our new princess.

Of course, it was love at first sight. The puppy was chubby and frisky. She could have come right out of a toilet paper commercial. Princess Riley came home with us and lives a pampered life.

Since we are still house training her she spends most of her day in the kitchen. She has everything in the kitchen she could possibly want or need–food, water, toys, pillow bed, and me. Yet, she is not content. She jumps up on the chairs that block the doorways and tries to get out. She doesn’t realize how comfy the kitchen is. The dog next door lives in a 5′x10′ kennel year round. Riley has every creature comfort (except my carpet to pee on).

God used our little princess to show me how much like Riley I am. The past few weeks God has had me in the “kitchen.” He has put boundaries around me for the purpose of teaching and training me to know Him better and be more like His Son. These boundaries felt restrictive. I felt unblessed and like God was punishing me. I behaved a lot like Riley–not enjoying it, not trying to understand what God wanted to teach me, trying to get out.

But the truth is God has given me countless blessings and He takes care of my every need. This time was for my benefit. I needed to be in the kitchen with God to know Him in a way I could not have learned otherwise.

During this time I was not content. I jump up to see over the protection God has put around me to see what else I might be missing. Someone else might be enjoying a blessing that I didn’t get and I want to see what’s going on. Maybe God is holding out on me. Hmm, sounds familiar doesn’t it? It’s the original lie Satan used on Eve.

But the truth is God is not nor will ever hold out on me. He always gives me what’s best for me at the perfect time. It’s hard to accept, but sometimes what’s best for me is to spend time in the kitchen with God–no distractions, just the basics.

Princess Riley is learning the discipline she needs to enjoy the rest of our home and being part of our family. As God’s precious daughter, I am learning  to know my Father and how to be the princess He created me to be.

Entry Filed under: Christian women,Dogs,Faith,God,Pets,spiritual growth,Trusting God,Uncategorized

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