Stray Dog

Sitting in church listening to the reading from the book of Ezekiel about the opening of the graves and digging up bones, my mind wanders as if it were a stray dog…turning over cans and sticking its nose into places it shouldn’t. I rummaged through the events of last week and all the frustration I brought on myself.

Perhaps I shouldn’t let the little things bother me.
Like…
Why can’t young people put their hats on straight?
Why don’t their clothes fit properly?
Why don’t they wear suspenders…if they can’t keep their pants up?
Why do they tattoo and pierce every available body part?
Why does their loud “Music” irritate me so?

Woe is me!
Perhaps, I have too many questions.

Where is my tolerance for my fellow-man?
Where is the love Christ tells me to have for my brother?

I need to stop digging up problems.
I need to get a leash for my stray dog.


Dear Lord Jesus, Please
Give me the patience and understanding I need.
Give me the strength to endure the “music”.
Give me the wisdom to ask the right questions.
For this I pray
Amen



3/9/2008