Thursday, July 21, 2005

A Bite of Life

You know, we're taught all our lives at church to be childlike in our faith. I've always thought that sounded nice, but it wasn't until I had children that I began to understand what that really meant. Paris gave me a prime example of that this week.

For those of you familiar with my parents' dogs, Paris had a bit of a run-in with Willie. Willie is known to Paris is a "growly dog," but up until this week we all believed that they had an understanding about limits. He might growl, but wouldn't really do anything more than that. Turns out that's not the case. He left a nice little bite mark in her hand this week.

In the aftermath as Paris was curled up in my lap watching Heffalump and Willie was in his pen being punished, we all started wondering what to do next. We all love Willie, but he had committed a serious transgression. He hurt my child. As I tell Paris when she disobeys, THAT IS NOT OK! He can no longer be trusted with my children. We all went to bed pondering Willie's fate and how we would handle this. As it turns out, Paris would teach us all a lesson.

The next day Paris began asking when Willie could come out and play with the other dogs. Apparently she felt he needed some time with his friends. She assured us that he would play nice and that he would never, ever bite her again. We talked a lot about why he was being punished, but she was sure that it was time for him to come out. He did and she was so happy to see him out playing that she ran and sqeualed with delight.

Wow, what an example of forgiveness! I learned so much. First, I can't even begin to fathom what our Heavenly Father felt watching His people torture and crucify his Son. I've yet to figure out how to reconcile the conflicting feelings of love and anger I experience when Paris hurts Tripp (or Willie hurst Paris). God knows what that is like to the Nth degree! And then to so gracefully to forgive all that was done and all we continue to do? Trusting so clearly that we will play nice and never ever bite like that again? (Well, I guess he knows that some of us are slow learners and we will make some of the same mistakes over and over, but what amazing patience He has to just keep loving us and forgiving us anyway.) WOW what an amazing God.

So, we now have some new rules to follow when it comes to Willie and the kids. I don't know that my human heart will ever trust the little dog again (and maybe it shouldn't), but I find myself feeling so grateful that my daughter has already given her heart back to one of "her favorite pets." I too am grateful that my Father's love never stops no many how many times I bite His hand. Thanks Paris, for helping me see more clearly.

10 comments:

Nellie said...

I've been thinking about the lessons Paris taught us off and on all day today. Isn't it amazing how HE continues to use little children to teach?

Like your blog. Those are the two most adorable children ever!

By the way, in your profile, you need to make a correction. I know we all felt TAXED with the cost of A&M, but I do believe it is still TEXAS A&M. :-)

You knew I would notice, right? It was a test for me!!

Miss you guys and love you much!!

Nellie said...

Okay, now I went back and Texas is corrected in your profile. Am I crazy or what? How did that happen? I promise it said Taxes A&M the first time!

sarahdawn said...

Actually, Tess beat you to the punch. It's been fixed. Thank you my two proof readers!

Nellie said...

I should have known someone beat me to it. Yea, Tessie!! We just can't stop ourselves, can we?

Anonymous said...

Well, while we are at it, you own two homebased "business" needs to be plural. However, I will have to yield to Nellie for the correct spelling of the plural of business in this context.

I do love your message and I agree, those are two of the most adorable children in the world.

Love to all!!!

Nellie said...

That would be "businesses" I do believe. I suggest that blog postings themselves do not need to be proofread by all of us. Let's all just try to enjoy the message(s) and overlook any unintentional errors. If you decide to publish, we can polish it to perfection! :)

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. That's a wonderful story and lesson from the mouth of babes. It is also wonderful that you see these lessons and have such faith. You have two beautiful children.
Love from Alabama

Anonymous said...

I LOVE your messages also. I'm so proud of all you do and what a wonderful mother you are. That is why your sweet daughter has learned so much.

I love you,

Anonymous said...

Sarah,
Isn't the clarity amazing when we look through the eyes of a child?! Thank you very much for sharing Paris' story. You should save it for her to read later in life.

Have you ever pondered writing children's books? Your posting was so vividly captured, I found myself wondering, "How often will she post to this site?" Just a seed...

Thank you again for the story! :) Your patience and respect for your child shows through and is a great example for others.

Traca said...

Hey Sarah! I just got your e-mail and found your blog. What weird timing...I just started blogging too! Check it out sometime www.mommyladybug.blogspot.com
Great to hear from you and stay in touch!
Love, Traca