I recently wrote about my dog, Winston, and his unexplainable, sudden, exasperating fear of thunder. Several storms later, I’m here to report that things are emphatically NOT better in this regard. It has made me yearn for the cold of winter (and to hope that Winston has not developed a fear of frost).
Yesterday, I suffered through an entire day, evening and night of stormy weather with my neurotic dog. It doesn’t even take actual thunder to push Winston’s fear button now. He has evidently developed an internal barometer that senses when foul weather is approaching, even if the sun is still shining and all seems tranquil. Perhaps I should arrange an audition for him at the Weather Channel. Winston the Weather Pup – it has a nice ring to it.
So keen are my dog’s forecasting faculties that he begins to pace and pant before the first visible or audible signs of a storm. I guess he just “feels” one coming. My mother always said that when the tree leaves turn upside down, a storm is imminent. Now I don’t have to check out the trees – as soon as Winston’s nerves turn upside down, I know it’s time to batten down the hatches.
I wistfully remember back when I loved to listen to storms, especially lying in my bed at night. Such power, such majesty, such a magnificent reminder of the awesomeness of God. But not anymore. Now I’m reminded not of the infinite might of our Creator, but of the insanity of one of His creatures – and Winston is his name.
As the thunder rumbled yesterday, Winston was a basket case. When it was time to go to bed, he followed us up to our bedroom and I knew we were going to have a problem. Once Winston’s paws were planted inside our room, there would be no getting him out without a significant battle.
After all the thunder-induced torment Winston has caused us this summer, I was amazed that I could muster any compassion for him, but I did. I suggested that perhaps we should let him sleep in our room. My husband reluctantly agreed, with an expression on his face that clearly communicated, “I’m going to get to say, ‘I told you so’ when this is over.”
The soothing sounds of rain rhythmically drumming on our roof were interrupted by Winston’s panicky panting as he paced around our dark room. Then, we were literally shaken by Winston’s futile attempts to burrow under our bed. Finally, as we thought that perhaps Winston would calm down and let us sleep, we heard a bizarre thunking, scratching sound. Upon turning on the light, we discovered that our dog had clumsily climbed into a laundry basket full of clean clothes.
By now, my husband’s patience had been pushed past its normally generous limits. Out the bedroom door went Winston. We learned the next day that he had sought solace from my son and his girlfriend, who were watching TV downstairs. Unfortunately (and understandably), the young lady didn’t appreciate Winston’s rather disturbing habit of parking his hindquarters upon someone’s feet when he desires comfort. He’s especially fond of bare feet. It’s not an altogether pleasant experience, so Winston met with yet more rejection.
So, here’s my question to you: Where do you seek refuge when you’re afraid? Under the bed? In a laundry basket? Cozied up to someone’s feet?
If you chose option number three, you’re not far from wrong. It all depends upon whose feet you’re cozied up to. Let’s face it – life is full of thunder and it can get pretty scary. Terrorism, unemployment, crime, disease, accidents, broken families – the possibilities for pain and disaster seem limitless. We can numb our hearts and minds with diversions and denial, but there’s only One who can truly calm the storms, our hearts, or both.
Cozy up to the feet of Jesus, tell Him what’s scaring you, and entrust your life and loves to Him. As you do, hear His quiet, gentle, supremely confident voice whisper: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
The old saying is true: No Him, no peace. Know Him, know peace.