Define Obedience-Who is the Intelligent Being?

Watching Rachel’s dog Charlie when they came to stay gave me fresh insight at a loving relationship between two very different beings. He is a big white dog who could easily ignore her and do as he pleases, yet his eye is always on her, listening for her soft voice or the slight click of her finger-snapping in correcting him. He sits at her feet, leaning his huge head against her knee, waiting for her to speak.

When she is not in sight, he paces the floor, eyes searching for the one he loves and trusts above all others; he acknowledges that she provides everything he needs and will keep him safe. He's uneasy, on guard when she is away but relaxes in her presence. He trusts her to keep him safe, he trusts her guidance to order his day. He craves her presence, her voice to guide him, to give him a task.

I don't have to wait for the presence of my Master. He has promised never to leave me. He will guide me (when I allow it), He is patient when I misbehave and sure to forgive my wandering when my eyes  return to Him, hungry for His word.

While I know the One who provides my every need, down to the very breath I draw, I wish I were as obedient, less willful in having my own way, picking my own path. Charlie knows Rachel loves him and shows his complete faith in her. How much more love my Heavenly Father shows me daily and forever!