I will always remember Honeybee, shortened to “Bee” for practical purposes. This one-year-old beagle can only be described as a work of art. I simply enjoy looking at this pup. Then, of course, those multiple romps on the hillside bought absolute pleasure. But, most of the time she is on a short leash as Bee’s need of training begs to be done.

Surely this is over-simplified, yet I see my experiences with Honeybee as relating to the pleasure Father God must find in each of us, His children. Like the joy that must abide with Him in providing for us. Even perhaps some of the emotions He might have in watching our earthly antics. Zephaniah 3:17, speaks to this: “The Lord God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

A soothing sight it is, just seeing my dog be her beagle-dog-self — the creature she was created to be, one that goes a bit crazy hunting down rock chucks, chasing butterflies and rolling lustily on the sun-warmed earth. She could go through obedience school, but I love her too much. Superb as she is, she is not to become a “show girl.”

This morning during my prayer time, she lay on her rug, impatiently waiting. It must have been some degree of torture, expected not to bolt and run. She would inch off the edge until only her hindquarters remained. Any further and Bee knew she would hear her name. Seeing her obedience—truly sacrificial—was more than amusing. There was a sense of comradery. In the short time after coming to live at the Smith house, Bee has come to know all her needs will be met. She trusts us to think of those needs even before they exist. It is now her task to earn our trust. And, as that grows so will her freedom. However, there were some disappointments and even brief times of anger. Yet, love always won out, as I would never disown her.

Observing her and realizing her simple faith in me, I begin to comprehend a little better the delight that must come to the heart of God when we put aside our fears and anxieties, speaking “peace, be still,” to our sometimes quaking hearts. Like Honeybee’s sigh and questioning look from the tops of her eyes as she abandons her desires in order to comply with mine. This takes trust. Similarly, our decisions to place trust in God is sure to bring results. In His timing—not ours—the exhilaration of seeing our hearts’ desires will come. In the meantime, there is fellowship, albeit at times with restlessness.

Oh, how obedience must please the Father’s heart. How joyous it must be to Him when we learn to sit quietly with Him and hear His voice. In the Gospel of John10:1-15, Jesus Christ is identified as our shepherd. He said that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him, “… because they recognize His voice. They will not follow a stranger; such a one they will flee, because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Although sheep and dogs are not at all alike in nature, this principle is still at work with each. Honeybee, much more independent, will have a harder time than the amenable lamb whose nature it is to follow. In turn, the lamb will meet with much less chastisement. Isn’t that the way it is with us who are in the Kingdom of God?  Some of us are hell-bent to get in trouble. Others just meekly walk along being themselves—not eager to run out to prove anything. Docile, they live on the “fat of the land,” recognizing and savoring the sweet things of life that are free. Then, there are those who cower in fear, tying God’s hands. It is impossible for Him to do much for these folks until they learn to trust.

That “whipped pup” look Honeybee has when she has been chastised wrings this master’s heart. I bend down close and offer a hug. At times she turns her head and sulks, blocking my love with a grudge. Compassion sees me coaxing her out of it. Yet, sometimes for her own good I let her wait awhile. A spoiled pup is not what I want. Nor do I want a dog that is afraid to move for fear of displeasing me.

Surely, we bring the most pleasure to God’s heart in discovering the freedom of simply being ourselves. Unique creatures beautifully made inside and out. Trying to be something we are not would be a loss and surely grieve Him. Would it not also grieve Him were we to be sycophants?  Scrupulously at His feet, hoping to please—ever wanting to gain His favor through good deeds, while failing to find the immense joy of leisure and fun?

I hope you have a wonderful summer. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Although Bee is no longer here, it only takes closing my eyes to envision her roaming the hills, finding new trails. Let’s all live it— one-day-at-a-time—and simply “be.” Happy trails.

Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain, mental health counselor and author of three books. Find more at healing-with-Joy.com