The Barking Dog

You've had this happen to you, seen it happen or heard of it happening.

The dog in the front yard waiting ... waiting ... waiting - and he's off. Running and barking like his life depended on catching the car speeding by his yard. It's an interesting sight really. A case to be studied for sure.

This dog displays amazing agility. He has impeccable timing. Remarkable Stamina. Disciplined patience. Unflinching resolve. Determined focus. Nerves of steel. Uncompromising in his agenda. He is in fact .. Relentless.

He's the barking dog.


Unfortunately for the dog his focus, patience, stamina and timing don't seem to be connected to a specific outcome. Was this his intended fate? Or is endlessly chasing automobiles what he has been reduced to? Designed to companion in the great out doors, like an animal at the zoo without the cage, he is now confined by his experience and limited by his environment.

I must confess - from time to time I've behaved a lot like the barking dog. With great precision, agility, stamina, determination, focus and unflinching resolve I've chased issues that shouldn't have been chased - needn't have been chased. At least not by me.

To be candid, there are one or two 'cars' I'm chasing right now.


If a measurable impact through social innovation is the goal - and it is. Then I've decided it would be much better to walk quietly if that's what it takes, than to run loudly for the sake of motion or noise. It is in fact the product of purposeful intent to experience the kind of freedom not confined by experience nor limited by environment.


Take the quick barking dog test:

1. Does your today seem a lot like yesterday?
2. Do you believe or behave your experience to date disqualifies you in some way?
3. Do you believe or behave that your present surroundings has confined or limited you in any way?

If you answered yes - you have barking dog syndrome.

Here's the antidote. Stop it! Stop it now! Seriously ... stop!


The behavior of the car told you a long time ago it didn't care you were chasing it. With not so much as a mechanical yawn it just keeps driving by. Unaffected by your diligence, uncaring for your pursuit and untouched by your focus the issue you've been chasing remains unchanged and perfectly intact.


It dawns on me the only lasting impact of the barking dog is the rut left behind from constant chasing and endless pursuit. Here's the lesson. You and I possessing perfect skill, tireless ethic and unwavering focus may still wind up in a rut.

May I suggest the wrong thing is being chased. Instead, let's turn to the open road ourselves - that's where God is waiting. He waits for us to join Him far and away from the familiar motion of things. Clearly His desire is for us to run alright, but be the kind of runner that attains, strengthens, solves and leaves behind better.

Here's today's question: 'What is the internal adjustment you need God to make inside you?'


Dan
A Runner