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Fencing is happening around here this month – the backyard kind with boards, not the kind with swords. When we first moved here we realized fencing the entire acreage was not an option, so we had a 30’ x 50’ dog yard created at one side of the house to contain the canine horde of the day, three Shelties and one Labrador.

Fifteen years later posts are rotting and panels are wobbly. Since we can’t manage without a secure fence, Dear Hubby has started replacing it, one section at a time. It’s a slow process, but he putters at it whenever he has an hour or two to spare. As you can see, he has a faithful companion. Our current Labrador, Tynan, loves to snooze on a comfortable carpet indoors as much as any dog, but when his best human friend is outside, rough uneven gravel in the construction zone is an acceptable alternative as long as his friend is near.
Of all the dogs we’ve owned through the decades, this is the only one that has claimed DH as his own. Tynan follows him everywhere. He’s right on his heels going down the hall, or curled up under the desk, even laying outside the bathroom door, or sleeping cuddled against feet during TV viewing in the family room, and, of course, leaping alongside when the leash is produced for a walk or the opportunity for a ride in the car. There’s no question about it… he loves his master. They’re inseparable.

It brings to mind the question of our relationship with our Master. How often do we stray out of His sight… wander in search of passing interests that take us out of touch with God? Those are the times we abandon the security of following in His footsteps, miss being close enough to discern His help and guidance when it’s given.
If distance has developed, we know it isn’t God who has moved away! The onus is on us to encircle our lives with a protective fence of prayer and study and meditation that will strengthen our devotion and discipleship, and keep us close to the Master at all times – within arm’s reach when a little heavenly reassurance is needed.
We joke about a dog’s life, but dogs can teach us a lot about devotion.
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The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
[Psalm 145:18]
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
[Isaiah 55:6]