Things have changed a lot in our house in the last few months because we now have 2 puppies: Doc and Lavender. They are Black Labs, and they’re brother and sister! And God is teaching us a lot!

We’ve learned the importance of training, teaching routine, using clear commands, and praising them when they obey and do it right.

One command I am trying to teach them is kind of 3 commands all in one, “sit, stay, and wait”. They did well with “sit” because, let’s be real, who doesn’t like to just sit and chill. And, of course, sitting and then getting rewarded with a treat is awesome!

“Stay” was a touch more difficult. They wanted that treat! So, when I showed them the treat, then walked away a few steps, they were like, “Um Dad? Where are you going with my treat?” Now, all along, I knew that eventually that treat would end up in their mouth. But first, they had to learn to sit and stay.

Then, the hardest one, “wait”. They didn’t like this very much. This command taught the importance of not having “instant gratification”. As I made them sit, then walk away a few steps with their treat, they began to get impatient. (ironically, just like us!) Again, I was going to fully give them their treat. I was just looking for a little obedience.

My steps away from them began small. Maybe 5 or 6 steps. Then I’d shout, “Come!” They’d rev their engines and run at me faster than a DeLorean at Twin Pines Mall. As they became accustomed to waiting, their reward got bigger. I’d pull out better treats. The more they learned, the more they were rewarded.

Just like the late Prophet Tom Petty once sang, “The waiting IS the hardest part.” But, isn’t it always worth it? Doc and Lavender are SO happy after they’ve patiently “waited”. Yes, at first they were frustrated. But, with great restraint comes great reward!

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”

Lamentations 3:25

“Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.”

Psalm 27:!4

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

Psalm 130:5

Has God been trying to teach you something? Are you getting frustrated? Perhaps today you should sit. Stay. Wait.

I believe your reward is coming. Go make a difference. Always Run by Faith.

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