The Gentle Leader
Roxie Panzica
My little pup Roxie and I frequently stroll through our local arboretum. Now this doggie of mine is a natural born “puller.” She always has been. Put the leash on her, and she’s so excited, she can’t wait to get moving. It puts a terrible strain on her neck. We tried the choker collar to no avail. Tried one with teeth that cut into her neck, that was a nightmare. Then we found the “Gentle Leader.” It is a miracle.
No stress. No pulling. No problem.
It’s based on the theory of a horse’s reign. Instead of attaching the leash to the back of her neck, it attaches under her chin. If she pulls, her head goes down and she stops pulling immediately.
The only thing is – she doesn’t much like putting it on.
Saddest face ever!
When she sees it coming, she turns her head to the side. So like the mom I am, I start talking to her, “I know baby, it not what you want, but it’s what you need.” Which always reminds me of the Rolling Stones song my husband would sing to our kids when they were young, “You can’t always get what you want… you get what you need…”
This gets me thinking that I have a Gentle Leader too: “You will keep on guiding me with Your command leading me to a glorious destiny.” Psalm 73:24
Our Lord is a most Gentle Leader, is He not? We want to pull this way or that. He knows that often what we want is not what we need, and He leads us in the right direction. We may resist or turn aside, but if we allow Him to direct us our paths, we will experience His best for us.
Roxie overcomes her initial objection because she knows that it’s only with the Gentle Leader she’ll have that walk she longs to have.
Oh so happy!
Would we be so wise and let our Gentle Leader lead us!
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What a wonderful expression of God’s love for us – our Gentle Leader! Oh, that I will heed and allow Him to direct my path today and every day ahead. No doubt, I will struggle at times as Roxie did, but in the end, when I realize He has my best interest in mind, how good to be led by our Lord!
Love this illustration! Thank you, Susan.
A gentle leader, I like that idea! Great post!
sweet post.
What a wonderful illustration…I so need His leading in my life! Thanks Susan for sharing. 🙂
Thanks ladies for your comments. So glad He is our gentle leader although I admit I probably need a more severe discipline sometimes!
I’m thankful that He speaks to me through the most mundane experiences sometimes.
Blessings,
Susan
Susan:
This is so beautiful. We do sometimes pull away from out “Gentle Leader” and we find ourselves worn out from the struggle.
Thank you for the wonderful lesson.
I too pull and want to lead my own life. I know that His ways are better then mine.
I am glad that your dog got used to the new leash and you can take your walks together 🙂