I am not a dog owner but I have observed a number of people who do own them. When a dog owner wants to take their dog for a walk, in most cases, a leash is very important. The leash allows the owner to give their dog some freedom (as opposed to carrying their dog in their arms!) but not too much freedom. The fact is that if some dogs weren't on a leash they would run wild - and either get into trouble or possibly put themselves, or others, at risk.
Of course, depending on the dog and the circumstances, not only might a dog have a leash, it might have a short leash. The reason for this is that usually the dog is in an environment that is too tempting for it to handle. Or too dangerous. For instance, when an owner walks their dog past other dogs they may need to shorten the leash in order to keep their dog from getting too close. Or the owner might be walking his dog in a crowd or near traffic, a place where too much leash could have bad consequences.
Now it appears that most dogs don't like leashes but it's not like they have a say in the matter. That being said, most dogs really don't like a short leash. This is because there is something that they want to see or explore and a short leash prevents them from doing so. Unfortunately the dog probably doesn't understand that the short leash is actually a symbol of love and thoughtfulness on behalf of their owner. The short leash is for their own good - to keep them out of mischief. Or worse.
Over the years I have found that God has me on a short leash. For example, I only skipped school once in my life. It was during my senior year in high school and a couple of my friends decided to ditch school and go across the border into Canada for the day. So I threw away my lunch, hopped on the bus with them, and headed north. Unfortunately our plans were thwarted at the bridge to Canada - the result that a truant officer took all 4 of us back to the high school. Where our parents were called.
Then there was the time right after I was married and we were moving to a new apartment. As I pulled up in front of the apartment there were no parking places on the right side, so I pulled across traffic (there were no cars coming) and parked on the left side of the road - facing the wrong direction. Now the reason that I did this is that I'd seen others do this hundreds of times. However, I didn't even get out of my car before a police officer came by and lectured me on the dangers of this - and made me move my car. Like I said, for most of my life God has had me on a short leash.
Of course, at first I chaffed at such treatment. 'How come others get away with things? Why are You so harsh and stern with me?' I complained. Just like a dog, I wanted to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it and I didn't like the idea of being restrained - of being told no. However, over time I have come to thank God that He has me on a short leash. I am glad that He doesn't allow me to get too far away from His side. Having a short leash means that I can't continue in known sin. I just can't. I have to confess it as soon as possible and put it behind me. I also can't say an unkind word to someone. Or ignore God when He's asking me to do something. I just can't. Sooner, rather than later, I give in, confess my sin and do things God's way.
So rather than complain about the things that others get by with that you can't, maybe a little appreciation and thankfulness is in order. Thank God that you got caught stealing the first time. Thank God that you got a ticket the first day you took the car for a spin. Thank God that the first time you told a lie someone called you out on it. As His child, God loves you too much to allow you to get into trouble - to drift too far from His side into dangerous territory. Rejoice and be glad! Your Heavenly Father has you on a short leash because He wants you close by His side - which is the very best place to be!
Dear Lord, I thank you for keeping me on a short leash. For wisely not letting me have my own way - for not letting me go places and do things that would have only caused me pain, suffering and embarrassment. I have come to embrace and love the short leash. It tells me how much You really love me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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