Are You A Deer Or A Dog?

I happened to see a deer through my window today. She looked so calm and peaceful. I knew, though, that if I were to open my door she would flee at once in a blind panic. I thought then of our faithful guardian dog, Sasha. She too looks peaceful and calm most of the time. However, when she is startled she leaps into action, ready to perform her duty as protector of our family.

When faced with possible danger the responses of these two animals are very different. Deer will run in what they hope is the opposite direction of the threat, while dogs focus in on the danger and run towards it. This made me think of us as people. I know there are lots of people that panic whenever something unexpected comes their way. When we panic, we can put ourselves and others into almost as much difficulty as the deer ends up in: tangled up in something, scraped up, or staring into some headlights. Maybe the unexpected event wasn’t really that bad, but if we react without stopping to think or pray, we can end up causing more harm.

I would rather be like a well-trained guardian dog. When the unexpected happens, I hope I can take a moment to pray and assess the situation through God’s eyes. Then I can act instead of reacting. As I act, God will give me courage and wisdom to face the issue head on. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Whatever may come into your life today, I pray that God gives you peace and courage to move toward it in His strength.