2 Timothy 1:7:For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
We took Bingley to DiOGi Dog Park today. It was built in memory of a Sheriff's Deputy and K9 who were killed in the line of duty. Very tragic story.
We often call Bingley a bulldozer because he's solid, and he doesn't realize how strong he is. He has been known to knock a few people over a time or two, which is definitely something we're working on. Although he is short and stumpy, he is mighty. Bingley definitely met his match in a boxer pup and several other hounds that were just as forceful and playful as he is. After a while of doggy craziness, I look up to see this elderly lady bringing two of the BIGGEST Rottweilers I've ever seen in my life into the park. I believe the owner said they weight 180lbs. Huge.
I immediately think that Bingley is done for, being that that he is never afraid to approach the biggest and baddest dogs (which has earned him a nip here and there). I should also so that Bingley's approach is not as graceful or polite as it should be. Sure enough, Bingly caught sight of the Rotts trudging through the grass, and he booked it in their direction. Fearless. Our dog is fearless! All of the other dog owners laughed after seeing how Bing is a friend to all beasts! Surprisingly, the Rotts were very welcoming to our little pup, and they eventually warmed up enough to play. Bing was very popular, especially with the ladies. Come to find out, this elderly lady has owned Rottweilers her whole life and these two (Reba and Bear) are only 2 years old! She told David and I that they SLEEP IN HER BED WITH HER! One on each side....unbelievable. They were the most gentle, loving pups in the park. Although enormous in size, Bingley still tried to dominate the female and she was forced to put him in his place. He's ruthless!
I often think about fear, especially since I have always been a "worrier." If anyone has ever experienced feelings of worry or anxiousness, you know that it's 1. exhausting and 2. quite overwhelming. I have attempted to stay away from any activity that would elicit fear-- movies, games, Halloween themed parties/theme parks/events etc. I don't understand why people are drawn to those things. Perhaps disdain for said feelings is a characteristic of a controlling personality?? Who knows. I just know that I have had to continuously ask God to help me be free from fear, anxiety and worry. My mother always taught us that we are not to have a spirit of fear. To worry and to fear is to lack faith and trust. I often hear the words, "in the absence of faith, there is a present of fear" replay in my mind. Watching Bingley run fearlessly toward those beasts reminded me of the freedom that comes in believing that a far greater power is in control of my small life and this small world, especially in comparison to His Greatness and power.
Most people who know me (and David's mother, Billie), know that our theme song is
"Wild Horses" by Natasha Bedingfield. When we're together, there is typically at least 2 renditions of this song (sung very very loudly) and I think we love it because it addresses the topic of fear. Our favorite line goes like this: "fear surrounds me like a fence and I want to break free." I dedicate this song to this post!
It's in the little day to day moments where I see how God continues to teach and move.
