Last fall, our family got a new puppy. I have always been, and probably forever will be, a cat person. Teaching a new puppy basic obedience has been challenging. Panda and I failed our first attempt with puppy kindergarten. We both learned the basic commands and cues but could never coordinate our efforts into success.
Being truly obedient is hard work. We understand what is required of us to do God’s will, but we often fall short on the coordinating the effort into success piece. What comfort there is in knowing that that is okay. We can fail. We can come up short. We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ. That is grace. We are loved despite our failures.
As for Panda, he and I will attempt to master puppy kindergarten again. But even if he fails to ever become the obedient little dog of my dreams, he will always be loved as a member of our crazy family.
Dear Lord, we know what is required of us to do your will, but we often fall short. We give thanks for your incredible grace through Christ Jesus that sanctifies us despite our utter lack of obedience. Amen. — VB