Bratty Pets, A gift from God?

     My dog is like a little kid. Weighing her options while deciding the value of consequences versus rewards.  But aren't we all. 

    For her, the consequences are doled out by the cat.  There is a great sibling rivalry between my dog and cat. One (the dog) feels everything in the house is hers to have even though she has her own things. The cats toys are hers, the parents are  hers. The parents socks are hers, and she will patiently wait until the cats not paying attention to take anything and drag it under my bed to her den. 

    The cat is often angry because of the dogs possessive nature.  So she plots revenge. She taunts the dog by placing toys in her path to steal knowing full well that an attack is imminent if she goes to retrieve the toys. The cat also places herself in the path of the dog's toys or even in the doorway leaving a room or an exit so the dog must pass by the cat to get where she wants or needs to go.  The cat will chase, ambush or flat out attack the dog, biting and scratching her. 

    The dog knows this. Yet she still lets her possessive tendencies rule her behavior. She will endure the pain of attack to steal another cat toy or cross the path to her escape.  The consequences of the cat may slow her progress, but she will patiently weigh her options and endure discomfort to feed her own wants. 

    How similar we are to  them?

    When you think about it, doesn't this mirror our own sinful natures?  We know certain behaviors are sinful, or harmful, yet instead of avoiding them completely, we weigh the consequences.  How much guilt or discomfort is worth the pleasure we get from the moment of following our own wants. 

     For me this might result in coveting or envy, the act of wanting what someone else has just because I really admire it or, sharing gossip or information that doesn't need to be shared  dressed up as concern.  I can always make a case for the defense of my actions. Yet that doesn't change the true nature behind them. 

    I'm in awe of the ways God puts illustrations right in front of us to remind us of his will for our lives and how we should lead them.  Thankfully, he doesn't often bonk us on our heads and say...I told you not to do that, but He shows us a mirror reflection when we are being selfish, or nosy or prideful.  Sometimes he even puts a dog or cat in our lives to remind us (me) to not be petty and willful, but show more kindness. 

I am thankful for God's love and concern and his will for me.  I am also thankful for the example he gives me through my bratty pets, to remind me to share, treat others well, and get out of the way of myself and others when He directs my paths.