Mowing with Henry

My dog Henry loves to mow the lawn with me.  Every time he sees me put on my mowing hat, he starts jumping up and down and yelping excitedly because he knows that we’re going to his favorite place – outside!

When he was a puppy Henry couldn’t seem to figure out that, when it was scorching hot outside, he needed to go inside to get some water and cool down.  So, we would have to pick him up and put him inside for awhile.  He didn’t like it, but we were worried about his health and safety.

The other day when we were mowing, I looked over and saw Henry standing by the door ready to go inside.  We had been out in the hot sun for quite awhile, and Henry was ready for a drink of water.

So there he stood – waiting for me to open the door.

And I thought to myself, “Henry has gained some wisdom as he’s gotten older.”

Because wisdom is knowing when to take a break from the heat to cool down for a moment.

That’s something Henry wouldn’t do for a long time, but now he’s got it.

Wisdom.

We all need it.

It takes wisdom to stop eating when you’re full.

It takes wisdom to “bite your tongue” before saying something ugly.

It takes wisdom to know when something is not worth arguing about.

It takes wisdom to understand that you’re not always right.

It takes wisdom to admit that your way is not better than God’s way.

It takes wisdom to stop the cycle of sin before sin destroys you.

It takes wisdom to confess that you need Christ.

It takes wisdom to trust God above your feelings and emotions.

Henry finally figured it out – that none of us is indestructible.

That sometimes the best thing you can do is let somebody else help you.

And as I let my dog into the house to get some water, I couldn’t help but wonder why I’m too stubborn at times to admit that I also need help from others and from God.

Henry’s life is better now because of the wisdom he has gained.

Your life and my life would be better too if we learned wisdom.

And the good news is that we don’t have to learn it all on our own; in fact, God will give it to us if we ask: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5, NIV).

So, what are waiting for?

God has opened the door to you.

Now, it’s up to you (and me) to walk in his house and ask for help (wisdom).