thecrump

Living for Eternity

7:52 AM

Don't Chuck the Dog!

Posted by thecrump |

So yesterday I was in a funk.  Yes, I do get in funks from time to time and I have to constantly apologize to my wife and children.  If you are not familiar with the technicalities of a "funk" then let me explain:

1) I am easily annoyed
2) I am easily angered
3) I am easily frustrated
4) I am easily annoyed
and did I mentioned that I am easily annoyed?

While my funks do not come too often they are annoying and can lead to my wife (rightly so) beating me over the head with a blunt object to break me out of it.  For some reason yesterday's funk came right as I was getting home.  I came in and was a little tired but was happy to see everyone...but then...it happened.

I am not sure what causes the switch, but whatever it was made me go introvert and every noise, movement and slight breeze made it worse.  I do not get violent or anything, but I do become withdrawn and almost start throwing a pity party (it is quite pitiful).

So, I struggle through my funk and Amy and I get the kids in bed and then I realize that I have to take the dog to her training at Petco (which is not my favorite activity).  As I debate whether I should play hooky or not I finally decide to go and run out the door with treats and leash (with dog attached) when all of a sudden - SNAP!  The dog is frozen and does not budge.  I pull and pull and she just stands against my "gentle urgings".  Finally, in a fit of frustration I pick up the dog and chuck her into the car (please don't alert PETA...she's fine) and since we are late I peel out of our driveway like David Hasselhoff in KITT (dated references for 300 Alex).  

All the way to Petco I am running the evening through my mind getting more and frustrated that I have to take this animal to the pet store to get trained when I'm sure there are perfectly qualified YouTube videos that are "just as instructive."  So I drive in the parking lot and the dog can't wait to get out of the car and take off towards the closest pedestrian.  She gets out, runs to the nearest couple (who happens to be in the same class) and they say...

"class is canceled tonight"

To say that I was about to scream is an understatement.  But then it hits me like a ton of bricks...I'm an idiot.  I mean really, I was all bent out of shape because I had to take the dog to the training and now I'm upset that it is cancelled.  I was being (and I am going to use my houses "s" word) STUPID.

On the way home I was contemplating the days activities and my attitude.  How many times have I sinned against God, not listened to His word or misrepresented Him to someone else...and yet He has yet to strike me dead because of it.  He continues to show grace, mercy and long-suffering (ie: patience).

Scripture talks about anger many times (and I should have listened): 

"A soft answer turns away wrath,But a harsh word stirs up anger" Proverbs 15:1

"The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression." Proverbs 19:11

"For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife." Proverbs 30:33 (that's a fun one to quote)

"The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy." Psalm 145:8

This last one is different from the others because this is evidence of an attribute of God.  He is slow to anger.  Every breath we breathe is a gift.  Every use of our eyes to see this beautiful world is His patience in action.  He could wipe us off the face of the earth right now because we all have sinned and deserve His wrath BUT he is compassionate and slow to anger.  One day He will judge those who have rebelled against Him, but now His patience is extended even to those who curse His name.  

I am very thankful that God is not prone to "funks".  He is steadfast and His ways never change.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  His love endures forever - and this is what I rest in.  When I fall into sin whether in attitude or in action I know that the grace and mercy of God is available.  Because of the atoning work of Christ I have been forgiven and His blood covers all my sins (past and future).  This is the amazing gospel.  Not that Christians are perfect, but that we are wretched sinners who have been forgiven by a loving God.

So, next time I get into a funk I will duck my wife's left hook and repent right there and then for my sinful attitude.  After all, if I have been forgiven for all the junk I have done...why can I not forgive (and be patient) with those around me?  

As for the dog...I'm using the newly learned training techniques to get her to change David's diaper.  At least then she'll be earning her keep.

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