Unleashed Glee

I like to run. I think God does too because He's always with me when I go. Last weekend I went running and usually I take our dog, Gauge, because a) he loves it and b) he's super energetic and stays in a kennel seven hours a day. As you can imagine, he wants to just run as fast and as long as he can, but of course, for his safety I usually can't allow him to do that (see pic on the left). Also, squirrels and birds would get the best of him and he's a little skittish of cars when they speed by, and there's also the problem of how he doesn't know which way to go. Because I completely understand his desire to run freely, my body longs for the same thing sometimes, I feel sorry for him, so as I remind myself all the reasons why I have to leave him on the leash, God spoke to me. He told me, "Darbi, you're Gauge. You're a dog on a leash. I know the desire you have to do great, big things, to run and not stop but, my dear, you don't know the way. You don't know the dangerous things heading your way that I can protect you from if you'll listen. You might not care about squirrels or birds but what about envy, apps on your phone, shopping, chasing the next promotion, don't they distract you? Would you chase them if I let you? I need you to learn to hear my voice above all else and to wholly trust me."
As we kept running, we got to a gated field and I let Gauge off his leash (see pic on the right). He could run fast, slow, stop and smell anything he wanted, he had complete freedom in that field. After a season of training, of learning to trust, to obey, God takes us to a season of blessing where we can run with unleashed glee. When we pursue Him, we find ourselves wanting His desires for us and they are far greater than anything we ever requested or imagined. God's plans are better than my dreams. Anything less just robs me of His best. We can fully embrace those abundant seasons when we know they're a gift from God.
I'm currently in a season of waiting on God. I'm on a leash. And I have a few friends who are in the field running with that unleashed glee that I long for. The flesh part of me wants to feel jealous and frustrated. But as I learn to be obedient to God, I choose to cultivate a heart of thankfulness for their season while I wait for mine. I want to pray for them and share in their joy. They would do the same for me. And because when I get off that leash, I want to run, to sprint, with my whole heart, and not grow weary. I want to truly enjoy all that God has in store for me. My strength will rise as I wait upon the Lord.
Not to mention, at some point, we get put back on the leash for another season of growing. This is the absolute joy of being in a relationship with Jesus. He doesn't need us. He loves us and chooses to use us to carry out His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) I don't know about you, but I don't want to miss a thing, leash or no leash!