Taking the Lead- part II: "Jazzy's story"

This is Jazzy--the "baby"of the family, even though she is three years old and has mothered a litter of puppies.

By AKC standards, she is a long-haired, red brindle miniature dachshund named "Duncan's All That Jazz." The daughter of Baron and Brandy (and my personal shadow), she completes our doggy family.

We really did not intend to have a third dog-child. But she was the last of Brandy's first litter, one of only two long-haired surprises among the original six. Compared to the others, she was adorable to look at, but rather aloof. The last to come to me for affection. Always a bit stubborn and independent.

Until the night she was left to spend the night all alone in the basement. When she cried, I caved, rescuing her by bringing her into our bed. She curled up into Geoff's neck and that was it--she was ours.

However, she was no overnight sensation. It took a while before she would come to me when I called her. Or for her to lie on her back and let me check her belly for rashes, fleas, abrasions, or even give her a belly rub.

I continued to work with her, rewarding her for good behavior and earning her trust. Baron helped as well, for she was as jealous of him as she was fond of him. When I sat on the floor or even looked Baron's way, his tail would begin to wag as he jogged over to me expecting to be scratched under the neck, petted and praised.

At first, jealousy prevailed. She would ignore me and try to "bite" at Baron's leg. Later though, Jazzy followed his lead, and she began to welcome attention and affection. Now, every morning, she welcomes me by voluntarily rolling onto her back and wagging her tail!

By nature, Jazzy does not follow well. She prefers to take the lead, stay in control, deal with life on her own terms. It's a lonely life, though. And dachshunds are very social/relational dogs.

So, she is our conflicted dog. She enjoys "baby" status--milking attention and yearning (whining) for more. Yet, she has an Alpha dog instinct-- often vieing for lead dog status.

In my relationship with God, I am most like Jazzy: independent and self-sufficient, wanting to take the lead rather than following it.

And, I can be a very conflicted Christ-follower. Sometimes, I just want to sit in the Father's lap and enjoy my privileged status as child. Other times, I want to grab the reins (or leash) and make things happen!

When all He really wants me to do is to follow His lead. Sit and rest when He stops. Charge ahead when He runs. Lead others by my example.

But, like Jazzy, I am learning. :)