STAY
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4-6

"Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about the enter and occupy." Deuteronomy 5:33 NLT

Stay-to continue in a place or condition; to stand firm; to take up residence; to halt or delay proceeding or advancing.

The newest resident on our little farm has a lot to learn.

Scout, albeit only nine pounds now, has a few social and obedience skills to learn before she tops out at her estimated 120 pounds of canine fur and muscle.

She's learning to sit when commanded.

She's learning to walk only within the confines of our property's boundaries.

She's learning to come when called.

She's learning that just because she can put her mouth on it it doesn't necessarily need to be chewed on.

She's also learning the command, 'Stay'.

Which is hard for her.

She is told on occasion to 'stay'--when there are other things she'd rather be doing.

She is told to 'stay'--when she really wants to be else where.

She is asked to 'stay'--when her safety is at concern.

She is asked to 'stay'--when the simple act of her obedience will lead to her receiving a treat.

She is asked to 'stay'--when her hyper, furry body wants to run, pounce, jump and wiggle.

It's hard for us, too.

When God asks us to 'stay' committed to His ways when inconvenient, unpopular or hard to do.

When God asks us to 'stay' in a situation until He works it out and we become better Christians after it has passed.

When God asks us to 'stay' and we don't want to. We. Just. Don't. Want. To.

When God asks us to 'stay' and we want to run and hide.

The command to 'stay' is hard for puppies and for us!