You think you know this someone very well.
And then something happens he doesn't like and a new side of him comes out -- the side that refuses to take part in life and refuses to offer any assistance at all.
He could help. He might even enjoy it if he quit worrying that his place is threatened by the new family member.
I love him. I absolutely adore him. He is my buddy. He is my constant companion. Here's a picture of him:
Can you read this face?
It isn't a happy face. He isn't loving life right now. He is on guard all the time. He doesn't want the new member to get too close to me. He doesn't want our new family member to get too close to him. And as I wrote above he refuses to help me.
How can a dog help me? you might ask.
By puppy-sitting the new puppy in our life. Her name is Maggie. And the last time I mentioned her she was just a guest. Now she has moved in. Here she is:
Zeko is so concerned about losing his place in my life that he can't enjoy this little puppy. He isn't going to lose anything if he gives a little. He will always be Zeko. No dog can replace him. But he's on the defensive and so he is just plain grumpy right now.
How often are we like Zeko with God? Do we get so concerned that we might lose someone we love or a life we are comfortable with that we refuse and resist a change God is trying to bring about in our lives?
I will love Zeko no matter what. Nothing can take his place. His recent behavior just makes me sad for him. Because it is just making him miserable and grumpy.
Are we miserable and grumpy when we don't like what's going on?
Nothing will change God's love for us, but maybe we do make Him a little sad when we cannot embrace the changes He brings into our lives.