It’s funny how most of my stories are about a dog, dogs, walking dogs, and the love of dogs! This one is no different!
I cannot start another story with “whilst walking my dogs,” so… Today I decided to take my dogs to the local park, which was surrounded by a lake where dogs must stay on a leash. It’s not the most adventurous walk with my dogs, as they’re accustomed to their freedom. However, this day was going to be different. During our walk, I came across an artificial bridge made of planks and branches that connected the mainland park to an island, which was not for public use. It looked overgrown, but it was a perfect opportunity for me to let my dogs roam leash-free!
It was way too early for other walkers to be out crossing wobbly artificial bridges across icy lake waters-so I decided to cross. Now, there were reasons why no official bridges were there for easy access to the island; it was a jungle. After a good 30-minute walk, rambling through thorns and trying not to get lost by keeping the lake to my left, I could see two dogs in the distance. They were chasing one another through the trees, weaving in and out, completely oblivious to my dogs, who were now on high alert. I immediately put my dogs on their leashes and tried to find the owner of the dogs. It took a while, but I eventually saw a figure bent over, picking something up from the ground-maybe a ball, I thought. Not wanting to startle them, I gently called out, “Good Morning.” The figure, who, by now, I could see was a woman, jumped up from her crouching position, pulled up her pants, and shrieked “Good Morning” right back at me. I had caught her right in the act of peeing in the middle of the woods, right in plain sight for all to see!
Now, we have all felt embarrassed for someone or been embarrassed ourselves when caught in an embarrassing act! That
was us right there in the woods. Two strangers trying desperately to pretend we did not meet in the way we just met! We quickly went our separate ways. I wish I could have laughed about it together, but that was not how this story ended. Instead, I had to be content with the hope that she, like me, would giggle about it afterwards.
But it got me thinking: how many times had I been caught red-handed? Not exactly like my startled friend. But metaphorically, more times than I would like to count. There have been occasions in my life when I was caught lying, and nothing I said could put it right but to tell the truth and expose the sin. Or the time I shared something (which was actually gossip) with a friend, and that friend shared it with another, who then shared it with the person I was talking about. There is no place to hide when that comes back and hits you in the face…POW!
Sin. We all do it every day. Some acts are conscious; we know what we are doing, but as long as we are not caught out, who knows we are sinning? Then there are sins we might not be aware of, which can go unnoticed if we are not keeping a close eye on the condition of our hearts. Like holding grudges, justifying our wrong attitudes, or criticizing others, secretly or outwardly.
But like my dog-walking friend who was caught in the act just when she thought nobody was looking, we can do the same. Sometimes, it seems like we have to be caught out in the BIG sins for us to make a change, to call out to God for forgiveness, who so graciously offers it.
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will He keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins nor repay us according to our iniquities. But as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love towards those who fear Him. As far as the East is from the West, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103v8
However, as I mentioned earlier, hidden sins can be lurking in the motivations and attitudes of our hearts. Who can see these? One of my favorite chapters in the Bible begins with the words: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me…” (Psalm 139:1). With God, there’s no chance of being caught off guard! He is all-seeing, all-hearing, and all-knowing. What we believe is secret—the dark places of our hearts that bear a “no trespassing” sign—He can see. While we may view these areas as filled with shame, embarrassment, and guilt, God desires to forgive us so that we can know dignity, find freedom, and live unashamed.
Sometimes, it’s not just God’s forgiveness that we struggle with, but forgiving ourselves for things we have done, big or small. The things we have said or done can torment us, and letting ourselves off the hook can seem more complicated than accepting God’s forgiveness. Still, it is necessary if we want to live our lives to the fullest, receiving all that God has abundantly promised. Learning that we are much-loved children of God is a good start, but taking the time to reflect and acknowledge our wrongs is also essential.
Ultimately, there is rest available for each one of us. A rest from the mental distress we often impose on ourselves. We have a choice. Jesus said in Matthew 11v28-30: “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
God promises to give rest to all those who bring Him their worries and cares. It’s a promise, and God doesn’t break His promises. Whether caught out or still hidden, God knows the condition of our hearts. He is waiting for us with arms full of forgiveness and peace. As a side note: Next time you think you’re alone and nature calls, look for a larger bush with plenty of coverage!